In a renewed push to improve safety across Nigeria’s inland waterways, the Federal Government has donated 3,500 life jackets to waterway operators in Ogun State, underscoring its commitment to curbing preventable deaths linked to boat mishaps.
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, who was represented by the Director of Maritime Services in the ministry, Dr. Mercy Ilori, made the symbolic handover during a ceremony held on Tuesday. The initiative is part of an ongoing national campaign to entrench a safety culture among inland waterway users.
“This is one of the most comprehensive responses by the Federal Government in recent times to the recurring tragedies on our waterways,” Oyetola stated. “Following similar interventions in Niger, Bayelsa, Anambra, Akwa Ibom, Delta, Taraba, and Lagos States, we are now in Ogun State to reaffirm our commitment to protecting lives and livelihoods.”
The minister emphasized that the government’s efforts are anchored on a three-pronged strategy: enforcement of the Inland Waterways Transportation Regulations 2023, continuous public sensitization, and provision of critical safety equipment such as life jackets.
He noted that the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), a key agency under the Ministry, remains central to the enforcement and education efforts necessary for safer inland water navigation.
Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, represented by the Commissioner for Transportation, Engr. Gbenga Dairo, welcomed the donation, stressing that safety on the waterways is a fundamental right, not a privilege.
“Every life jacket handed over today represents a life potentially saved. Ogun State will ensure equitable distribution of these life jackets to verified operators across all active water routes, from Iwopin to Ebute-Ero, and Tongeji to Ode-Omi,” Dairo said.
The governor reiterated the state’s readiness to support federal efforts in transforming inland waterways into secure, reliable alternatives to the road transport network, in line with the ISEYA agenda on human capital development.
Managing Director of NIWA, Mr. Bola Oyebamiji, represented by Engr. Elsie Egwuatu, echoed the urgent need for safety compliance. Citing past tragedies—including the June 2023 Jeva Channel Lake accident that claimed over 200 lives—Oyebamiji warned that “over 90 percent of waterway accidents are due to human error, often from overloading, poor navigation, or absence of life jackets.”
He urged strict compliance with the newly gazetted Marine Transport Regulation Codes, which now impose penalties ranging from fines to imprisonment for defaulters.
In his remarks, the National President of the Association of Tourist Boat Operators and Water Transporters of Nigeria (ATBOWATON), Alhaji Tarzan Balogun, stressed the need for stringent enforcement of safety protocols.
“There must be a firm policy: no life jacket, no boarding,” he declared. “Passengers refusing to wear life jackets must be denied access. Safety must come first, always.”
Balogun also urged Ogun State to establish a dedicated waterways authority similar to Lagos State’s, while advocating for the construction of more jetties and greater collaboration with local boat operators.
The event concluded with a shared commitment from federal and state actors to ensure that the donated life jackets are not only distributed but used effectively to prevent future waterway tragedies.