In a significant move to enhance safety on Nigeria’s inland waterways, the Federal Government has donated 3,500 life jackets to the Ogun State Government for distribution to registered water transport operators across the state.
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, who made the donation on Tuesday, reiterated the federal government’s commitment to curbing avoidable loss of lives on waterways. Represented by the Director of Maritime Services, Dr. Mercy Ilori, the Minister described the initiative as part of a national strategy to instill a culture of safety in water transportation.
“This is one of the most comprehensive responses in recent times to the persistent boat mishaps across the country,” Oyetola said. “We have already donated life jackets in Niger, Bayelsa, Anambra, Akwa Ibom, Delta, Taraba, and Lagos States. Now in Ogun, we are sustaining the momentum and reaffirming our commitment to protecting lives and livelihoods.”
He outlined a three-pillar strategy for addressing the safety crisis: enforcement of the 2023 Inland Waterways Transportation Regulations, continuous public sensitization, and provision of critical safety equipment, especially life jackets.
Oyetola praised the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) for its central role in enforcing safety protocols, monitoring compliance, and supporting public awareness campaigns.
Speaking on behalf of the Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, the Commissioner for Transportation, Engr. Gbenga Dairo, expressed appreciation for the donation and affirmed that the life jackets would be distributed equitably to verified boat operators.
“Safety on the waterways is not a privilege; it is a right,” Dairo said. “Every life jacket represents a life potentially saved and aligns with the human capital development focus of our ISEYA agenda. We assure the Ministry and NIWA of our full support in promoting marine safety and infrastructure.”
He further assured that the life jackets would be distributed across all riverine areas of the state, including Iwopin, Ebute-Ero, Agbara, Tongeji, Imakun Omi, and Ode-Omi, with monitoring mechanisms in place to ensure accountability and sustainability.
On her part, the Managing Director of NIWA, Mr. Bola Oyebamiji—represented by Engr. Elsie Egwuatu—emphasized the consequences of ignoring safety standards, citing recent tragic incidents in Kwara and Niger States where overloaded boats capsized, claiming hundreds of lives.
“Over 90% of waterway accidents are due to human error—primarily negligence by boat captains,” she said. “The newly gazetted Marine and Transport Regulations mandate compulsory use of life jackets and outline stiff penalties, including fines and imprisonment.”
Also speaking at the event, the National President of the Association of Tourist Boat Operators and Water Transporters of Nigeria (ATBOWATON), Alhaji Tarzan Balogun, commended the federal government’s intervention, describing it as timely and necessary.
“There must be a strict policy of ‘no life jacket, no entry.’ We can’t allow preventable tragedies to continue,” Balogun stated. He also warned against the dangers of intoxicated passengers, overloading, and transporting animals—particularly dogs—that may cause panic and accidents on board.
Balogun urged the Ogun State Government to emulate Lagos by establishing a functional waterways authority and constructing jetties in partnership with local boat operators, adding, “There’s no point spending billions on jetties that don’t serve their purpose. Work with those who know the terrain.”
The event marks another step in the federal government’s efforts to promote safety, accountability, and sustainable development within Nigeria’s maritime and blue economy sectors.
