From Idu Jude, Abuja
To curb the growing incidence of boat mishaps on Nigeria’s inland waterways, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, on Tuesday, launched the distribution of 42,000 life jackets across 12 riverine states.
The official flag-off ceremony, which took place in Minna, Niger State, marks the beginning of a major safety intervention by the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy aimed at reducing fatalities and enhancing safety among waterway users. Each of the 12 beneficiary states is set to receive 3,500 life jackets in the first phase of the initiative.
Describing the distribution campaign as more than a symbolic gesture, Oyetola said, “This event transcends mere ceremony; it embodies our unwavering commitment to safeguarding the lives and livelihoods of Nigerians who rely daily on our inland waterways.”
The Minister emphasized that the project is a life-saving response to the increasing number of boat accidents, many of which are attributed to human error, substandard equipment, and non-adherence to safety protocols. He called the trend a “national emergency” and stressed the urgency of collective action to reverse it.
To further reinforce safety on the waterways, Oyetola also referenced the introduction of the Inland Waterways Transportation Regulations, 2023, commonly referred to as the Waterways Transportation Code, which aims to standardize operations, enforce compliance, and foster a more structured and secure environment for water-based transportation and investment.
In his remarks, the Governor of Niger State, Mohammed Umaru Bago—represented by the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abdulmalik Sarkin-Daji—commended the Federal Government for selecting Niger State as the launch site. He noted the state’s vulnerability to waterway accidents, stating: “Niger State recorded the highest casualties from boat accidents in 2024. The state government is determined to address this issue frontally through strict enforcement and proactive intervention.”
Echoing the Minister’s call for responsibility and vigilance, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr. Olufemi Oloruntola, highlighted the crucial role of life jackets in ensuring passenger safety.
“Our mission here today is to reiterate and encourage the use of life jackets by all inland water travelers. Safety on our waters is the first rule and remains a government priority. It deserves the cooperation of all,” Oloruntola stated. He stressed the need for sustained public education and awareness campaigns to promote safe practices on Nigeria’s waterways.
In a complementary effort to strengthen marine safety infrastructure in the state, Niger State’s Commissioner for Transport, Hajiya Hadiza Idris Kuta, expressed gratitude to the Federal Ministry for additional support. She announced the donation of three passenger boats, a water ambulance, and a patrol boat by the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) to further boost the state’s capacity to respond to emergencies and improve water transport efficiency.
The life jacket distribution campaign is widely regarded as one of the most comprehensive safety interventions by the Federal Government in recent years and reflects a renewed national focus on maritime safety, regulation, and public welfare.