The Federal Government of Nigeria has taken a significant step toward enhancing the safety of inland water transportation by donating 3,500 life jackets to the Ogun State Government.
The donation, aimed at safeguarding the lives of boat operators and passengers, forms part of a nationwide campaign to instill a culture of safety on the nation’s waterways.
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, made this known during the official handover event on Tuesday.
Represented by the Director of Maritime Services in the Ministry, Dr. Mercy Ilori, the minister reaffirmed the federal government’s unwavering commitment to eliminating preventable deaths on waterways.
“This is one of the most comprehensive federal responses in recent years to the alarming frequency of boat mishaps across the country,” he stated.
“Following similar interventions in Niger, Bayelsa, Anambra, Akwa Ibom, Delta, Taraba, and Lagos States, we are now in Ogun to continue the momentum and demonstrate the government’s dedication to protecting lives.”
Oyetola explained that the intervention is rooted in the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and centers on three strategic pillars:
1. Strict enforcement of the Inland Waterways Transportation Regulations 2023
2. Ongoing public education and sensitization campaigns
3. Provision of critical safety equipment, such as life jackets
He emphasized that the Ministry’s efforts are being spearheaded by the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), a key agency responsible for regulation, monitoring, compliance, and safety enforcement on Nigeria’s inland waters.
In response, the Governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun, who was represented by the State Commissioner for Transportation, Engr. Gbenga Dairo, commended the federal government for its timely intervention and assured that the life jackets would be distributed equitably to registered and verified waterway operators across the state.
“Safety on our waterways is not a privilege but a right,” he asserted. “Each life jacket symbolizes a life potentially saved, a family preserved, and a future secured.”
Governor Abiodun emphasized that the initiative aligns with the human capital development aspect of the state’s ISEYA agenda, which places the welfare and safety of residents at the heart of policy implementation.
He further promised the state’s full collaboration with the federal government to develop inland waterways into a viable and secure alternative to road transport.
“Ogun State values the synergy it has built with the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy and will support this momentum through infrastructure expansion and regulation.
From Iwopin to Ebute-Ero, Agbara to Tongeji, and Imakun Omi to Ode-Omi, these life jackets will be deployed under strict monitoring and accountability protocols,” he added.
Addressing the recurring boat mishaps across the country, NIWA Managing Director, Bola Oyebamiji, represented by Engr. Elsie Egwuatu, raised serious concerns about the safety lapses that have resulted in tragic losses.
He recounted two major incidents that claimed hundreds of lives:
On June 12, 2023, a wooden boat overloaded with over 200 wedding guests capsized in the Jeva Channel Lake in Kwara State, leading to massive fatalities.
On October 1, 2024, another overloaded vessel carrying mostly women and children sank in Niger State, with more than 100 deaths recorded.
“Both vessels exceeded their capacity, lacked safety gear, and were operated at night without navigational aids. These are tragedies that could have been prevented,” Egwuatu said. “Over 90% of such accidents stem from human error and captain negligence.”
She emphasized that with the recently gazetted Marine and Transport Regulations, safety protocols—including compulsory life jacket usage—are now legally enforceable with punishments ranging from fines to imprisonment.
“If you think safety is expensive, try disaster,” she warned.
Also speaking, Alhaji Tarzan Balogun, the National President of the Association of Tourist Boat Operators and Water Transporters of Nigeria (ATBOWATON), urged stronger regulatory oversight and infrastructure development on Nigerian waterways.
Balogun expressed satisfaction with the government’s efforts but emphasized the need for strict enforcement.
“There must be a clear policy: no life jacket, no boarding. Passengers who refuse to wear one should not be allowed to travel. Safety must always come first.”
He also called attention to other pressing issues such as boarding under the influence of alcohol, and the risks posed by bringing animals like dogs onto boats, which can incite panic and result in accidents.
In addition, he advised the Ogun State Government to follow the example of Lagos by creating a dedicated Waterways Authority and investing in the construction of jetties in partnership with boat operators.
“We must move from mere policy to visible infrastructure and enforcement. Let’s work together to make Nigerian waterways safe, structured, and efficient,” Balogun concluded.