The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has again called on state governments to ban the use of wooden boats for commercial water transportation, warning that their continued usage remains a major contributor to frequents boat accidents on Nigeria’s inland waterways.
The Minister stated this recently against the backdrop of recent boat mishaps across the country, which have resulted in multiple fatalities and left several families bereaved. He expressed sympathy with the victims and extended condolences to the families of those who lost their lives, describing the incidents as painful and unacceptable.
Oyetola said the persistent reliance on rickety wooden boats, coupled with widespread non-adherence to basic safety standards, has continued to fuel avoidable accidents, particularly in riverine states. According to him, many of the boats currently in operation are poorly constructed, inadequately maintained and structurally weak, making them highly vulnerable to failure when overloaded or exposed to harsh weather conditions.
He explained that wooden boats deteriorate rapidly due to constant exposure to water, often developing cracks and leakages that can lead to sudden collapse. He added that such vessels generally lack stability, are easily capsized and are rarely equipped with basic safety features, while many are operated without proper regulation.
In contrast, the Minister said fibre-reinforced plastic and aluminum boats offer safer and more sustainable alternatives for commercial water transportation. He noted that modern vessels are more durable, resistant to corrosion and better suited to the demands of inland waterway operations.
According to Oyetola, fibre and aluminum boats provide better balance and buoyancy, reduce the risk of sudden breakage and can easily be fitted with essential safety equipment, including life jackets and communication devices. He argued that phasing out wooden boats in favour of these modern alternatives would significantly improve safety outcomes on the nation’s waterways.
Beyond government action, the Minister also placed responsibility on waterway users to take personal safety seriously. He warned passengers against night travel, citing poor visibility and increased risk, and urged commuters to insist on wearing approved life jackets at all times.
He further cautioned passengers to refuse boarding overloaded or visibly unsafe boats, stressing that no journey is worth risking one’s life. He said many accidents could be prevented if basic safety rules were observed by both operators and passengers.
Reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to improving waterway safety, Oyetola disclosed that the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy has continued to implement interventions aimed at reducing accidents. He said that in 2025 alone, the Ministry distributed 35,000 life jackets to riverine states as part of efforts to improve safety awareness and preparedness.
However, he noted that despite these interventions, boat mishaps have persisted, largely due to the continued use of unsafe wooden boats. He therefore appealed to state governments to complement federal efforts by investing in modern, non-wooden boats for commercial operations and ensuring the provision of standard life jackets for all water transport users within their jurisdictions.
Oyetola stressed that improving safety on inland waterways requires collective action and political will at all levels of government. He said while water transportation is a critical component of Nigeria’s blue economy, it must be safe, regulated and sustainable to deliver its full benefits.
He maintained that with coordinated efforts between the federal and state governments, as well as responsible behaviour by operators and passengers, the country can significantly reduce waterway accidents and prevent further loss of lives.
