The Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, under the leadership of Minister Adegboyega Oyetola, has embarked on a laudable and comprehensive mission to end the tragic and preventable loss of lives on Nigeria’s waterways. This proactive and multifaceted approach marks a significant departure from past inaction and signals a firm commitment to maritime safety. The recent acquisition and distribution of 42,000 life jackets to waterways users across 28 states is a testament to this new resolve, a concrete action that has already begun to yield tangible results. This initiative is not merely a symbolic gesture but a practical and life-saving measure, as evidenced by the recent incident in Niger State where nine passengers survived a boat mishap precisely because they were wearing the donated life jackets. Niger State’s Commissioner for Transport, Hajia Hadiza Idris Kuta, aptly praised this initiative, demonstrating the vital collaboration between the federal government and sub-national authorities. The partnership between the Ministry, the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) under the leadership of Mr Bola Oyebamiji, and state governments is clearly a cornerstone of this success.
Minister Oyetola’s declaration of the rising boat mishaps as a “national emergency” is a powerful and necessary acknowledgment of the severity of the situation. He correctly identifies the root causes as human error, poor equipment, and non-compliance with safety regulations. The introduction of the Inland Waterways Transportation Regulations, 2023, also known as the Waterways Transportation Code, is another pivotal step, providing a legal framework to standardize operations and enforce safety compliance. The efforts of the Niger State government, which is not only distributing life jackets but also procuring new fibre boats and deploying safety marshals, exemplify the kind of state-level alignment that Oyetola has called for. This synergy between federal and state governments is crucial for creating a truly safe and structured environment for inland water transportation.
Beyond immediate safety gear provision, the Ministry has adopted a strategic, long-term perspective. The establishment of the Special Committee on the Prevention of Boat Mishaps in Nigeria is a testament to this forward-thinking approach. This 16-member committee, inaugurated in February 2025, has meticulously reviewed commercial boat operations, identified regulatory gaps, and proposed sustainable solutions. On August 1st, 2025, Minister Oyetola received the committee’s detailed report, which contains 17 key recommendations aimed at overhauling maritime safety. These proposals, which include the establishment of a Coastal Guard, the creation of a National Boat Design Policy, and mandatory training for boat operators, are transformative. They address systemic issues that have plagued the sector for years and lay the groundwork for a more professional and secure waterways system. Minister Oyetola’s pledge to implement these reforms, including the phasing out of unsafe, rickety boats, shows a determination to not just react to accidents but to prevent them altogether.
This monumental effort, however, requires a collective commitment from all stakeholders. While the government provides the policy, equipment, and oversight, the success of these initiatives ultimately hinges on the actions of individuals. Waterways users must embrace the non-negotiable culture of wearing life jackets, understanding that this simple act can mean the difference between life and death. Boat operators, in turn, have a moral and legal obligation to enforce these rules, ensuring no passenger boards their craft without a life jacket and that their vessels are never overloaded. As the Minister has rightly stated, this fight cannot be won by the Federal Government alone. It is a shared responsibility. The Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy has laid out a clear and courageous path to safety. Now, the charge is to boldly and swiftly implement the committee’s recommendations, transforming Nigeria’s waterways from sites of tragedy into a safe and reliable mode of transport for all. The time for action is now; the nation is watching, and lives are at stake.
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