From Idu Jude, Abuja
Minister of Marine and Blue Economy Adegboyega Oyetola led the distribution of 3,500 life jackets to water transport users in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, to enhance safety on Nigeria’s waterways.
A statement from the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy on Friday, May 2, said the event is part of the federal government’s efforts to address recurring boat mishaps and protect coastal and riverine communities.
Oyetola stressed the vital role of water transport in Nigeria, especially in riverine areas. He called the life jacket campaign “strategic, proactive, and long overdue”, reflecting the government’s commitment to saving lives and ensuring a safe marine environment.
“What we are doing here today is saving lives. It is that simple,” Oyetola declared. “With these life jackets, we are empowering our waterways users — fishermen, traders, students, and transport operators — with the basic tools to survive and be safe.”
The Bayelsa distribution follows a similar event in Minna, Niger State, on April 29, 2025, where Oyetola launched the rollout of 42,000 life jackets across 12 coastal and riverine states in the ministry’s first phase of intervention. This initiative is one of the most comprehensive federal responses to inland waterway safety concerns in recent times.
Noting Bayelsa’s extensive rivers, creeks, and maritime significance, Oyetola said the state was a priority for the campaign. He praised Governor Douye Diri for supporting the federal government’s Marine and Blue Economy agenda, particularly for establishing a state Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy and advancing the Agge Deep Seaport.
“The Agge Deep Seaport will serve as a major maritime gateway, facilitating international trade, reducing congestion at existing ports, creating jobs, boosting investments, and accelerating development in the Niger Delta,” the minister said.
“The federal government remains fully committed to its realisation.”
Oyetola urged boat operators and passengers to wear life jackets consistently, emphasising collective responsibility. “They are not for decoration; they are for your protection,” he said. “Safety is everyone’s responsibility.”
Governor Douye Diri, speaking earlier, thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for creating the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy to tap Nigeria’s maritime potential. He commended Oyetola for collaborating with Bayelsa and stressed the need for ongoing water safety education.