Oyetola: Recurring boat accidents a national emergency

Adegboyega Oyetola, minister of marine and blue economy, has described the recurring trend of boat accidents in the country as a national emergency that requires collective action.

Speaking on Tuesday in Minna, Niger state capital, during the official flag-off of the distribution of 42,000 life jackets to waterway users across 12 selected riverine states, Oyetola said the initiative is aimed at curbing the alarming rate of boat mishaps and fatalities in the country’s riverine areas.

Each of the beneficiary states will receive 3,500 life jackets in the first phase of the safety intervention by the ministry of marine and blue economy.

The minister said the initiative is one of the most comprehensive federal responses in recent times to the persistent loss of lives on Nigeria’s waterways. He added that it is a landmark move to enhance safety on inland waterways.

“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,” Oyetola said.

Oyetola 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, Umar Bago, Niger state governor, who was represented by
Abdulmalik Sarkin-Daji, the speaker of the state house of assembly, commended the minister for launching the campaign in Niger state.

He described the state as a “critical focal point” in the battle against waterway mishaps, revealing 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.

Olufemi Oloruntola, permanent secretary of the ministry of marine and blue economy, reiterated the importance of wearing life jackets, noting that while vessel owners and operators are legally responsible for providing them, the government has stepped in to bridge the gap.

“Our mission here today is to reiterate and encourage the use of life jackets by all inland water travelers. Safety on our waters is the first rule and remains a government priority. It deserves the cooperation of all,” Oloruntola stated.

He urged continuous sensitisation and public education to promote life jacket usage.

In addition to the life jackets, Hadiza Idris Kuta, the Niger state commissioner for transport, expressed appreciation to the ministry of marine and blue economy for also donating three passenger boats, a water ambulance, and a patrol boat, through the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) to bolster the state’s marine safety efforts.