The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola has officially launched the distribution of 42,000 life jackets to waterway users across 12 riverine states in a bold move to improve safety on Nigeria’s inland waterways.
The initiative, inaugurated during a flag-off ceremony in Minna, Niger State, represents one of the most comprehensive federal responses in recent years to the persistent fatalities and accidents occurring on the country’s waterways. Each of the beneficiary states is expected to receive 3,500 life jackets as part of the first phase of this targeted safety intervention.
In his address, Oyetola described the event as more than a ceremonial launch, calling it a “symbol of the government’s commitment to protecting the lives and livelihoods of millions of Nigerians” who depend on inland water transportation daily. He emphasised that the rising number of boat mishaps—often caused by human error, poor equipment and disregard for safety protocols – has reached a level of national concern.
“The loss of lives on our waterways is not just tragic, it is avoidable,” the minister said. “This initiative is a proactive, life-saving response to preventable tragedies. Our goal is to make inland water travel safer, more reliable and better regulated.”
Oyetola also highlighted the recent introduction of the Inland Waterways Transportation Regulations, 2023 – also known as the Waterways Transportation Code – as a major policy move to standardise operations, enhance regulatory compliance, and attract investment into the marine transport sector. He called on operators, travellers and all stakeholders to comply with the new guidelines and join in fostering a culture of safety.
Niger State governor, Mohammed Bago, represented at the event by the Speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly, Hon. Abdulmalik Sarkin-Daji commended the ministry for choosing Niger State to flag off the initiative. He noted that Niger State has witnessed the highest number of fatalities from boat mishaps in 2024 and described the intervention as both timely and strategic.
“This is a welcome move. Our state has been grappling with the devastating impact of frequent boat accidents. We are determined to confront the situation through stricter enforcement and collaboration with federal agencies,” Sarkin-Daji said.
Permanent secretary of the ministry, Olufemi Oloruntola stressed that the provision and use of life jackets are non-negotiable in ensuring waterway safety. While vessel owners and operators are legally required to provide life jackets, he acknowledged the gap in enforcement and praised the Federal Government’s decision to step in.
“Safety is not optional – it is the first rule of engagement on our waters. The government is prioritising this issue, but we need the cooperation of all users to succeed,” he said. He further encouraged awareness campaigns to promote the responsible usage of safety gear.
The Niger State Commissioner for Transport, Hajiya Hadiza Kuta expressed her gratitude to the ministry and the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) for additional donations of three passenger boats, one water ambulance, and a patrol boat to strengthen the state’s capacity for marine safety and emergency response.
Goodwill messages flowed in from key stakeholders, including Brig. Gen. Yahaya Abubakar (Rtd.), representing the Etsu Nupe and chairman of the Niger State Council of Chiefs, chairman of the Niger State House Committee on Transport, leaders of the Association of Boat Operators in Niger State, as well as community heads and commuter representatives. They all lauded the federal initiative and pledged support to ensure full compliance.
As the distribution of life jackets commences, the Federal Government called on state authorities, traditional institutions and water transport users across Nigeria to champion waterway safety, adopt life jackets as essential travel gear and promote a culture of accountability, preparedness and mutual responsibility.
