In a move to further enhance safety on Nigeria’s inland waterways, the Federal Government has donated 3,500 life jackets to the Ogun State Government for distribution to waterways operators across the state.
This intervention marks one of the most comprehensive efforts by the Federal Government in recent times to curb the persistent loss of lives on the country’s waterways.
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, handed over the life jackets on Tuesday through the Ministry’s Director of Maritime Services, Mercy Ilori. He reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to protecting inland waterways users, pledging to tackle the recurring incidents of boat mishaps.
“The frequency and tragic consequences of boat accidents are deeply concerning,” Oyetola said. “In alignment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, we are prioritizing life-saving interventions that can deliver measurable change.”
He emphasised that strict enforcement of the Inland Waterways Transportation Regulations 2023, sustained public awareness campaigns, and provision of essential safety equipment like life jackets are crucial to reducing fatalities on waterways.
Oyetola also commended the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) for its role in ensuring the effectiveness of the government’s safety strategy, particularly in regulatory enforcement, compliance monitoring, and operational support.
Representing Governor Dapo Abiodun at the event, an Ogun State official assured the Minister that the donated life jackets would be fairly distributed among registered operators.
He reiterated the state’s commitment to education and enforcement regarding safe practices on inland waterways.
“Safety on our waterways is not a privilege—it is a right,” the official said. “Each life jacket handed over today represents a life potentially saved, a family preserved, and a future secured.
This initiative supports the human capital development pillar of our ISEYA agenda, which puts people at the core of our development efforts.”
He urged boat operators, fishermen, and riverine community residents to embrace safety sensitisation programs and adopt protective practices as a daily routine.