The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, on April 29, 2025, led the distribution of 3,500 life jackets to waterway users in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, as part of the Federal Government’s renewed efforts to address the recurring incidents of boat mishaps and strengthen safety across Nigeria’s inland waterways.
The event, held in the capital of Bayelsa, was a continuation of a nationwide initiative flagged off in Minna, Niger State and forms the first phase of a strategic rollout targeting 12 coastal and riverine states. The programme is designed to protect lives, especially in vulnerable communities that rely heavily on water transportation for trade, education and daily commute.
In his keynote address, Oyetola emphasised the indispensable role that water transport plays in the socioeconomic fabric of Nigeria’s coastal regions, especially in states like Bayelsa, which is laced with creeks and rivers. He described the life jacket distribution as a practical, timely and life-saving measure that underscores the Federal Government’s commitment to marine safety.
“What we are doing here today is saving lives. It is that simple,” he declared. “With these life jackets, we are empowering users of our waterways – fishermen, traders, students, and boat operators – with the basic tools to stay alive and safe.”
The Minister stressed that the exercise was not a symbolic gesture, but part of a comprehensive and inclusive marine policy being implemented by the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, under the ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda of President Bola Tinubu. He reiterated the need for all boat operators and passengers to wear life jackets consistently and correctly, warning that safety gear should never be treated as an afterthought or mere accessory.
“Life jackets are not for decoration; they are for your protection. Safety must become a non-negotiable culture,” he said.
Bayelsa State, he noted, is a strategic beneficiary of the initiative, given its geographical make-up and exposure to water transport. He praised the state government for its foresight in establishing a dedicated Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, which he described as a major step towards effective collaboration between federal and state actors.
The minister also hailed the state’s commitment to the Agge Deep Seaport project, calling it a “visionary infrastructure” that has the potential to transform Bayelsa and the south-south region into a significant maritime and logistics hub.
“The Agge Deep Seaport is not just a Bayelsa project; it is a national asset in the making. It will boost employment, facilitate trade, reduce pressure on Lagos ports and open up the region to sustainable economic growth,” he said, affirming the Federal Government’s support for its realisation.
During a courtesy visit to Government House in Yenagoa, Governor Douye Diri welcomed the minister and applauded President Tinubu’s creation of the ministry, calling it a forward-thinking step toward harnessing the full potential of Nigeria’s maritime assets. Speaking through his deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, at the life jacket distribution event, Diri echoed the minister’s emphasis on water safety and called for continuous awareness campaigns to drive behavioural change among water transport users.
“Education about safety on the waterways must be sustained if we are to reduce the tragic loss of lives from boat mishaps,” he said.
The permanent secretary of the ministry, Olufemi Oloruntola further highlighted that the life jacket distribution was part of a set of urgent interventions approved by Oyetola to tackle marine-related casualties. He reinforced the message that regular and proper use of life jackets remains critical to reducing fatalities in boat accidents.
The ceremony was attended by a wide range of dignitaries and stakeholders, including the Speaker of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Hon. Abraham Ingobere; Chairman of the Bayelsa State Traditional Rulers Council, King Bubaraye Dakolo; Amayanabo of Twon-Brass and former military governor of Rivers State, King Alfred Papapreye Diete-Spiff and the Bayelsa State Commissioner for Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Faith Izibenua Zibs-Godwin. Representatives of the Nigerian Navy, Marine Police, the maritime workers union, boat operators and community leaders also graced the event.
The life jacket initiative forms part of a broader vision by the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy to promote safety, foster inclusion and build a thriving maritime sector that serves both economic and humanitarian goals. It aims to enhance connectivity in underserved areas and ensure that as Nigeria’s blue economy grows, it does so without endangering lives.
Oyetola concluded by urging all stakeholders, including local authorities and community leaders, to take ownership of the safety agenda, stressing that collective responsibility was vital to achieving lasting impact.
