In a major move to bolster safety on Nigeria’s inland waterways, the federal government has donated 3,500 life-jackets to operators in Ogun State.
The donation, made through the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, aims to reduce fatalities from boat accidents and promote a culture of safety in riverine transport.
Presenting the life-jackets on behalf of the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, was Dr. Mercy Ilori, Director of Maritime Services in the ministry.
She emphasized that the federal government is committed to curbing the persistent loss of lives on the waterways by supporting local operators with vital safety gear and increasing awareness among users.
The initiative is part of a broader campaign already rolled out in several states, including Niger, Bayelsa, Anambra, Akwa Ibom, Delta, Taraba, and Lagos.
Dr. Ilori reiterated that the ministry’s intervention aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes the protection of citizens' lives and livelihoods.
She outlined the ministry’s three-pronged approach to tackling the problem—enforcing the 2023 Inland Waterways Transportation Regulations, sustained public education and sensitization, and the distribution of critical safety tools such as life-jackets.
The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), a key agency under the ministry, was also highlighted for its role in regulation and enforcement across the country’s waterways.
In response, Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, represented by the Commissioner for Transportation, Engr. Gbenga Dairo, commended the federal government’s efforts and assured that the life-jackets would be distributed fairly among registered operators.
He described safety on the waterways not as a luxury but a right for every citizen and reiterated the state’s readiness to improve water transport as a secure alternative to road travel.
Each life-jacket, he said, represents a life potentially saved, and the initiative supports Ogun State’s ISEYA development agenda focused on human capital development.
Governor Abiodun also assured that the jackets would reach verified operators across various riverine corridors—from Iwopin to Tongeji and from Imakun Omi to Ode-Omi—under strict monitoring for proper usage and maintenance.
Meanwhile, the Managing Director of NIWA, Mr. Bola Oyebamiji, represented by Engr. Elsie Egwuatu, emphasized the devastating impact of avoidable boat accidents.
He cited examples from Niger and Kwara States where overloaded and ill-equipped boats claimed hundreds of lives, often due to passengers not wearing life-jackets.
He stressed that most waterway accidents are caused by human error and urged boat operators to strictly comply with safety regulations, warning that violations could now attract fines or jail terms under the new marine transport codes.
Speaking further, Alhaji Tarzan Balogun, President of the Association of Tourist Boat Operators and Water Transporters of Nigeria (ATBOWATON), praised the government for its consistent push for safety.
He called for stricter enforcement of life-jacket usage, saying passengers should not be allowed onboard without wearing one.
Balogun also urged Ogun State to create a dedicated waterways authority and build more jetties, similar to what exists in Lagos, to further support marine transport infrastructure.
He noted that safety enforcement should include barring intoxicated or disruptive passengers and addressing issues like animals onboard that can cause panic and accidents.
