In a decisive effort to reduce fatalities and enhance safety on Nigeria’s inland waterways, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, on Tuesday launched the distribution of 42,000 life jackets across 12 riverine states. The official flag-off ceremony took place in Minna, Niger State.
Under the first phase of the initiative, each state will receive 3,500 life jackets. The intervention, spearheaded by the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, is among the most far-reaching federal responses to the persistent challenges of boat mishaps and water-related deaths in the country.
Speaking at the event, Oyetola emphasized that the distribution was not just symbolic, but a deliberate, life-saving response to the rising tide of accidents caused by negligence, inadequate safety gear, and non-compliance with maritime safety regulations.
“This is more than a ceremony, it reflects our commitment to protecting the lives of Nigerians who depend on our inland waterways for transportation and commerce,” the Minister stated. He also drew attention to the Inland Waterways Transportation Regulations 2023—also known as the Waterways Transportation Code—introduced by the government to formalize operations, enforce safety compliance, and attract investment.
Representing Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago of Niger State, the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abdulmalik Sarkin-Daji, welcomed the campaign, describing Niger as a “critical hotspot” for waterway incidents. He disclosed that the state recorded the highest number of fatalities from boat accidents in 2024, and reaffirmed the government’s readiness to tackle the issue through enforcement and proactive measures.
Also addressing the gathering, Mr. Olufemi Oloruntola, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, reiterated that while operators are obligated to provide safety gear, the government is stepping in to bridge the gap. He called for sustained awareness campaigns to instill a culture of safety among passengers and operators alike.
“Our presence here today is to promote a critical safety habit: wearing life jackets. Waterway safety must become a collective responsibility,” Oloruntola said.
In addition to the life jackets, the Ministry, through the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), donated three passenger boats, a water ambulance, and a patrol boat to Niger State to further support marine safety.
Several dignitaries delivered goodwill messages, including Brig. Gen. Yahaya Abubakar (Rtd), representative of the Etsu Nupe and Chairman of the Niger State Council of Chiefs; the Chair of the State House Committee on Transport; representatives of boat operators, commuters, and community leaders. They all applauded the federal initiative as timely and necessary.
As distribution begins, the Federal Government is urging all stakeholders—state authorities, traditional leaders, transport unions, and the general public—to embrace the campaign, enforce compliance, and foster a safety-first mindset across Nigeria’s inland waterways.
