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By Steve Agbota
In a significant advancement for water safety and the enhancement of inland water transportation, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, on Wednesday, May 28, presented 3,500 life jackets to the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA).
The donation ceremony, which took place at LASWA headquarters at the Five Cowries Terminal in Lagos, reinforced the federal government’s unwavering commitment to establishing safe and efficient water transport systems nationwide, with a special focus on Lagos State, the busiest waterways hub in Nigeria.
In his address, the minister, represented by the Director of Maritime Services, Mercy Ilori, explained that the initiative highlights the crucial importance of safety in Nigeria’s water transport sector, particularly as the nation ramps up efforts to unlock the vast economic potential of the blue economy.
“It gives me great pleasure to witness this important event, aimed at advancing the national initiative of enhancing safety on Nigeria’s inland waterways. I sincerely appreciate the Government of Lagos State, led by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, for his effort and zeal in redefining water transportation in the state. It is well-noticed and quite commendable.
“I also extend my appreciation to the good people of Lagos State. Indeed, excellence is your workforce, and you have demonstrated it again. Your warm reception and hospitality are quite appreciable. Thank you once again for having us around,” he said.
He added that the distribution of life jackets in Lagos State is a timely and important initiative to foster a culture of safety on the nation’s waterways, particularly in communities where water transport is an essential part of daily life.
According to him, this campaign has been conducted in Niger State, Bayelsa, Anambra, and Akwa Ibom.
“And so today we are here, and we will move to other littoral states in the coming weeks. The challenge posed by water is high and rarely detected, as fatalities across the country remain a grave concern to the government. So many of these mishaps are preventable and often arise from neglect of basic safety measures, particularly the use of life jackets.
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“It is in recognition of this that the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President of Nigeria, has prioritised life-saving interventions to bring about tangible change in the nation’s waterways. Our commitment is to end the avoidable loss of lives on Nigerian waterways,” he added.
Speaking on behalf of the Lagos State Government, the Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, explained that due to the state’s huge population, it adopts a multi-modal transport system, which includes movement via rail, road, and water.
“I’m so happy today that we have this initiative from the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.
“It will not only boost safety but will also help in extending our reach now to a lot of our private operators that have, over time, had challenges in getting these life jackets.
“One thing that I can assure you is that it’s also going to give people reassurance. What we have noticed is that some people have a phobia of water, but the moment they start seeing intentional moves on the waterways—more life jackets, better boats on the waterways—we will be able to secure the waterways and free our roads from congestion,” he stated.
Also delivering goodwill messages during the life jacket presentation were the Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Dr Bola Oyebamiji, Lagos Area Manager of NIWA, Engr Sarat Braimah, and General Manager of LASWA, Damilola Emmanuel, among others.
The life jacket donation strengthens LASWA’s existing safety initiatives and supports Lagos State’s ongoing campaign to promote the essential use of life jackets among all waterways users.
The event also showcased a live demonstration of the proper use of life jackets.
