The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has flagged off the distribution of 42,000 life jackets to waterway users across 12 selected riverine states.
Announcing this in a statement on Tuesday, the ministry explained that the landmark move is aimed at enhancing safety on Nigeria’s inland waterways.
It added that the initiative which kicked off in Minna, Niger State Capital, intends to curb the alarming rate of boat mishaps and fatalities in the country.
Oyetola stressed that each of the beneficiary states would receive 3,500 life jackets in the first phase of the strategic safety intervention by the ministry.
According to him, the initiative is one of the most comprehensive federal responses in recent times to the persistent loss of lives on Nigeria’s waterways.
“This event transcends mere ceremony; it embodies our unwavering commitment to safeguarding the lives of Nigerians who rely daily on our inland waterways,” Oyetola said.
The Osun State former governor mentioned that the distribution of the life jackets was a proactive, life-saving response to the recurring boat accidents.
Citing the rising incidence of mishaps due to human error, poor equipment, and non-compliance with safety measures, Oyetola described the trend as a national emergency even as he underscored the urgent need for collective action.
He pointed out that the government’s introduction of the Inland Waterways Transportation Regulations, 2023, also known as the Waterways Transportation Code, aimed at standardising operations, “enforcing compliance, and creating a more structured environment for investment and safety.”
Earlier, the Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, lauded the Oyetola for launching the campaign in the state.
Represented at the event by the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Abdulmalik Sarkin-Daji, the governor described the state as a “critical focal point” in the battle against waterway mishaps, stating that the state recorded the highest casualties from boat accidents in 2024.
“The state government is determined to address this issue frontally through strict enforcement and proactive intervention,” Bago said.
The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr. Olufemi Oloruntola, reiterated the importance of wearing life jackets.
He noted that while boat owners and operators are legally responsible for providing them, the government has stepped in to bridge the gap.
“Our mission here today is to reiterate and encourage the use of life jackets by all inland water travelers. Safety on our waters is the first rule and remains a government priority. It deserves the cooperation of all,” Oloruntola stated.
He urged continuous sensitisation and public education to promote life jacket usage.
