The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has pledged far-reaching reforms to curb recurring fatalities on Nigeria’s waterways following the submission of the report by the Special Committee on the Prevention of Boat Mishaps in Nigeria.
Receiving the report on August 1, 2025, in Abuja, Oyetola described the rising rate of boat accidents as unacceptable and preventable. He said the government would act swiftly on the committee’s recommendations to improve maritime safety through policy enforcement, stakeholder collaboration, and behavioural change.
“The safety of our citizens on water is not just a policy responsibility; it is a moral duty. Every life lost in a boat mishap is one too many,” Oyetola said. He emphasised the need for consistent use of life jackets and announced plans to phase out unsafe, rickety boats, replacing them with standard-compliant alternatives.
The Minister urged state governments to align with federal initiatives in enforcing safety standards, noting that the fight against boat mishaps could not be won by the federal government alone. He also disclosed the recent approval for nationwide distribution of life jackets to riverine and coastal communities, urging beneficiaries to use them correctly.
The 16-member Special Committee, inaugurated in February 2025, reviewed commercial boat operations, identified causes of mishaps, and proposed sustainable solutions. Its report, presented by Chairman and Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Bola Oyebamiji, contains six chapters analysing operational gaps, regulatory weaknesses, vessel design standards, and institutional capacity.
Among its 64 recommendations, 17 were prioritised, including the creation of a Coastal Guard to enforce safety laws, a National Boat Design Policy, mandatory certification and training for operators, increased NIWA funding, and the establishment of search and rescue stations at strategic inland waterways.
Oyebamiji said the committee extended its work beyond its initial mandate to ensure a thorough report, holding both physical and virtual meetings and creating four specialised sub-committees to address key technical areas.
The submission marks a major step in the Tinubu administration’s “Renewed Hope Agenda” and its drive for safer, more sustainable maritime practices.