The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola has launched the distribution of 3500 life jackets in Lagos State, reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to achieving zero mishaps across the nation’s waterways.
Speaking at the marine safety sensitization and life jackets distribution exercise which was held in Lagos on Wednesday, the Minister emphasized the federal government’s commitment to fostering a safety-first culture, especially in riverine communities where water transport is a daily necessity.
Minister Oyetola who was represented by a Director in the Ministry, Dr Mercy Ilori revealed that the life jacket distribution campaign—already held in Niger, Bayelsa, Anambra, and Akwa Ibom States—would continue across other littoral states in the coming weeks as part of a broader national strategy.
Highlighting the ministry’s commitment to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, Oyetola outlined three key pillars of the safety initiative: the enforcement of the Inland Waterways Transportation Regulations 2023, sustained public sensitization, and provision of safety equipment including life jackets.
Oyetola commended Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for his efforts in transforming water transportation in Lagos, noting the state’s strategic importance due to its high volume of commercial activities and critical maritime corridors. He also praised the efforts of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) for driving regulatory compliance and education efforts on the nation’s inland waterways.
The Minister charged boat operators and ferry associations to enforce the use of life jackets, describing them as “shields, not inconveniences. “Imbibe the slogan: No life jacket, no entry,” he urged, calling on traditional rulers, community leaders, and transport unions to play active roles in promoting safety practices at the grassroots.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Transportation in Lagos State, Mr. Oluwaseun Osiyemi highlighted the critical need for safe and reliable water transport in the state, given its unique geography and population size.
Osiyemi emphasized the importance of a multi-modal transport system to effectively serve the growing population, noting that over 85% of daily commutes in Lagos are currently done via roads, while the waterways contribute a much smaller percentage — less than 5%.
The Commissioner expressed excitement over the life jacket initiative, which he described as a timely intervention that would significantly improve safety and boost public confidence in water transport. He also applauded the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy and NIWA for their continued support in promoting safety and innovation in water transportation, especially through the recent distribution of life jackets in the state.
“This initiative from the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy is not just about safety gear; it’s about building a safety culture. It reassures the public and encourages more people to embrace water transport,” Osiyemi stated.
On his part, the Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Mr. Bola Oyebamiji, emphasized the critical importance of safety on Nigeria’s inland waterways, describing it as the “core profitability” of the sector.
Mr. Oyebamiji lauded the collaboration between the federal and state governments, alongside relevant agencies, as a vital step in ensuring the safety and security of waterway users. According to him, unlike in financial terms where profitability is the bottom line, in water transport, “safety is our profit.”
He revealed that the life jacket distribution campaign is set to reach 12 coastal states across Nigeria, with six states already covered. “We hope to achieve the target across all 12 states within the next one to two years,” he stated.
Mr. Oyebamiji expressed appreciation to the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, for spearheading the initiative, and also acknowledged the support of the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, who was unavoidably absent.
The NIWA boss stressed that in Nigeria, water transport users must wear life jackets at all times. “Here, if you don’t wear a life jacket, you don’t step into the boat. It’s that serious,” he added. He concluded with a strong declaration of NIWA’s commitment to achieving zero fatalities on Nigeria’s waterways. “We are working towards a future where we record zero mishaps on our inland waterways. It is possible, and we are determined to get there,” he said.
Speaking earlier in his welcome address, the General Manager of the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA), Mr. Damilola Emmanuel, emphasized that the event was not just about collaboration among stakeholders, but more importantly about prioritizing safety—a foundational element for the sustainability of the water transport sector.
Reiterating the importance of collective responsibility, the LASWA boss assured participants that the government—both at the federal and state levels—remains dedicated to ensuring that inland waterways become a safe and reliable mode of transport. “The inland waterways are a part of the broader marine and blue economy, and ensuring safety on them is key to unlocking their full potential,” he added.
Emmanuel also commended the Federal Government’s ongoing initiative to distribute life jackets across coastal states, describing the effort as a critical step towards enhancing safety on Nigeria’s inland waterways.
