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The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, yesterday presented 3,500 life jackets to the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) as part of a national initiative aimed at enhancing safety on Nigeria’s inland waterways. The presentation ceremony took place at the LASWA Headquarters, located at the Five Cowries Terminal in Lagos.
Represented by the Director of Maritime Services, Mercy Ilori, Minister Oyetola emphasized the urgent need to address the persistent challenge of boat mishaps and the fatalities that frequently occur on Nigeria’s waterways.
Highlighting the gravity of the situation, Oyetola noted that many of these tragic incidents are preventable and often stem from the neglect of basic safety protocols, especially the failure to use life jackets.
He stressed that this distribution of life jackets is a key component of the current administration’s broader strategy to foster a culture of safety among waterway users, particularly in communities where water transport forms an essential part of daily life and economic activity.
“The distribution of life jackets in Lagos State is part of a national campaign to promote water safety,” Oyetola said.
“This initiative has already been implemented in several other states including Niger, Bayelsa, Anambra, and Akwa Ibom, and will soon be extended to additional littoral states in the coming weeks. Our ultimate commitment is to end the avoidable loss of lives on Nigeria’s waters.”
He elaborated that the government’s strategy to achieve this goal is anchored on three main pillars: the strict enforcement of the Inland Waterways Transportation Regulations 2023; ongoing public education and sensitization campaigns; and the provision of critical safety equipment, especially life jackets, to all waterway users.
Oyetola further highlighted the unique challenges posed by the waterways in Lagos, characterized by intense commercial activity, heavy passenger traffic, and vital links to international maritime corridors.
“The nature of Lagos waterways demands that safety measures be rigorously implemented and promoted,” he stated. “This campaign seeks to tackle these distinct challenges by encouraging life-saving practices that will protect everyone who relies on these waters for transport and livelihood.”
For the campaign to have lasting impact, the Minister underscored the necessity of collaboration between federal, state, and local government authorities. He appealed to traditional rulers, community leaders, boat operators, and transport unions to take active roles in championing this cause and embedding a strong safety culture at the grassroots level.
Oyetola urged all boat operators and ferry associations to enforce the mandatory use of life jackets, emphasizing that wearing a life jacket should be seen not as an inconvenience but as a crucial protective shield. He encouraged the adoption of the slogan: “No life jacket, no entry!”
Supporting this initiative, the Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, underscored the importance of adopting a multi-modal transport system that integrates rail, road, and water movement, especially given Lagos’s large and rapidly growing population.
“I am pleased with the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy’s proactive initiative,” Osiyemi remarked.
“This effort will not only enhance safety but will also help extend access to life jackets for many private operators who have historically faced difficulties obtaining this essential safety equipment.”
Osiyemi also highlighted the psychological benefits of the campaign. “There are many individuals with a fear of water, but with visible efforts such as distributing life jackets and improving the quality of boats on the waterways, we expect increased confidence in water transport. Ultimately, securing our waterways will help alleviate road congestion and provide a safer, more efficient transportation alternative.”
Additionally, Dr. Bola Oyebamiji, the Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), and Damilola Emmanuel, the General Manager of LASWA, welcomed the life jacket donation, emphasizing its role in strengthening LASWA’s ongoing safety initiatives.
Both officials affirmed that the donation bolsters Lagos State’s continuous campaign to promote the essential use of life jackets among all users of the waterways.
“This donation symbolizes the strong partnership between federal and state agencies dedicated to ensuring that Nigeria’s waterways become secure, viable, and user-friendly alternatives to road transportation,” Dr. Oyebamiji stated.
Emmanuel echoed this sentiment, underscoring the importance of coordinated efforts to enhance safety standards and protect the lives of all those who depend on inland water transport.