The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, Tuesday flagged off the distribution of 42,000 life jackets to waterway users across 12 selected riverine states.
The initiative was one of the most comprehensive federal responses in recent times to the persistent loss of lives on Nigeria’s waterways.
Speaking at the flag-off at a ceremony in Minna, Niger State, Oyetola said the initiative was aimed at curbing the alarming rate of boat mishaps and fatalities in the country’s riverine areas.
He explained that each of the beneficiary states would receive 3,500 life jackets in the first phase of this strategic safety intervention by the ministry
Oyetola stated: “This event transcends mere ceremony; it embodies our unwavering commitment to safeguarding the lives and livelihoods of Nigerians who rely daily on our inland waterways.”
While emphasising that the life jackets distribution was a proactive, life-saving response to the recurring boat accidents, he however, cited the rising incidence of mishaps was due to human error, poor equipment, and non-compliance with safety measures.
Oyetola called the trend a national emergency and underscored the urgent need for collective action.
He also highlighted the government’s introduction of the Inland Waterways Transportation Regulations, 2023 — also known as the Waterways Transportation Code — aimed at standardising operations, enforcing compliance, and creating a more structured environment for investment and safety.
Also speaking at the ceremony, Niger State Governor Mohammed Bago, who was represented by the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Hon. Abdulmalik Sarkin-Daji, lauded the minister for launching the campaign in the State.
He described the state as a “critical focal point” in the battle against waterway mishaps, adding that Niger State recorded the highest casualties from boat accidents in 2024.
“The state government is determined to address this issue frontally through strict enforcement and proactive intervention,” Sarkin-Daji said.