In a bold move to curb the alarming rate of boat accidents in Nigeria, the Federal Government has commenced the distribution of 42,000 life jackets to waterway users across 12 riverine states. The initiative was officially launched on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, at a flag-off ceremony held in Minna, Niger State.
The distribution, which marks the first phase of the intervention, will see each beneficiary state receive 3,500 life jackets. It is part of a strategic effort by the Ministry to promote safety and reduce fatalities along Nigeria’s inland waterways.
“This is not just a ceremonial event,” Oyetola said during his address. “It is a practical demonstration of our dedication to protecting lives and livelihoods dependent on our waterways. The provision of life jackets is a proactive response to the disturbing trend of boat mishaps across the country.”
The Minister noted that many of the incidents are due to avoidable causes such as human error, poor equipment, and non-compliance with safety regulations. He described the situation as a national emergency and called for urgent collective action to enforce safety measures.
Oyetola also highlighted the recently introduced Inland Waterways Transportation Regulations, 2023—popularly known as the Waterways Transportation Code—as a key policy tool to standardize water transport operations, enforce compliance, and attract investment into the sector.
Representing Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, the Speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abdulmalik Sarkin-Daji, applauded the Federal Government’s choice of Niger State for the flag-off. He revealed that the state recorded the highest number of casualties from boat accidents in 2024, describing the intervention as timely and impactful.
“The state government is committed to strengthening enforcement and supporting initiatives that can reduce the incidence of water transport mishaps,” Sarkin-Daji assured.
Also speaking at the event, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr. Olufemi Oloruntola, reiterated the importance of using life jackets. He noted that while vessel operators are legally mandated to provide safety gear, the government stepped in to bridge the gap and reinforce a culture of safety.
“Our presence here is to drive home the message that safety on the waterways is non-negotiable. We urge all waterway users to wear life jackets and comply with regulations,” he said.
The Niger State Commissioner for Transport, Hajiya Hadiza Idris Kuta, also expressed gratitude to the Ministry, disclosing that additional equipment—including three passenger boats, a water ambulance, and a patrol boat—had been donated to the state through the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) to boost safety operations.
The flag-off event featured goodwill messages from key stakeholders, including representatives of traditional rulers, the Niger State House Committee on Transport, boat operators, and community leaders. They all commended the Ministry for its timely response and called for sustained sensitization efforts.
As the life jackets are deployed to riverine communities, the Federal Government is calling on all stakeholders—state authorities, traditional leaders, transport operators, and citizens—to support the initiative, uphold safety standards, and foster a culture of accountability across Nigeria’s inland waterways.