The Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy has continued its nationwide campaign to enhance safety on Nigeria’s inland waterways with a significant handover and distribution of life jackets in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adeboyega Oyetola, CON, who was represented at the event by the Director, Maritime Services, Dr. Mercy Ilori, said the flag off underscores the federal government’s unwavering commitment to protecting the lives and livelihoods of citizens who rely on water transportation.
Oyetola, emphasized that the distribution of the life jackets in Ogun State is part of a deliberate national strategy designed to embed a culture of safety across Nigeria’s inland waterways, saying it represents one of the most comprehensive federal government responses to the persistent loss of lives due to boat mishaps.
He informed that similar successful handovers have already taken place in Niger, Bayelsa, Anambra, Akwa Ibom, Delta, Taraba, and Lagos States.
Oyetola highlighted the deeply concerning frequency and tragic consequences of boat accidents nationwide. He affirmed that the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, is distributing 3,500 life jackets in alignment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda of prioritizing life-saving interventions. Many of these incidents, he noted, are avoidable and often result from the neglect of basic safety practices, particularly the failure to wear life jackets.
The Minister enumerated government’s strategy to end the needless loss of lives on the waters as anchored on three key pillars: Strict enforcement of the Inland Waterways Transportation Regulations 2023, Continuous public education and sensitization campaigns and Provision of critical safety equipment, notably life jackets, to waterway users.
He further informed that the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA); a key agency under the Ministry, plays a pivotal role in ensuring the success of this strategy through its leadership in regulation, compliance monitoring, and support for education and enforcement efforts.
Acknowledging Ogun State’s extensive network of rivers and creeks, vital for local mobility, trade, and cultural exchange, Oyetola stressed the importance of ensuring that all who depend on these channels can navigate with confidence and protection.
He urged all boat operators and ferry associations to enforce the use of life jackets among passengers and lead by example, promoting the slogan: “No life Jacket, no entry!”
“My dear people of Ogun, let us arise and partner together to save lives and enhance trust in our Water Transport System. Our rivers, which hold so much cultural heritage, must never become scenes of avoidable tragedies.
Speaking at the occasion, the State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, CON, represented by the Commissioner of Transportation in the State, Engr. Gbenga Dairo, expressed profound gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, for his visionary leadership and the thoughtful initiative behind the life jacket distribution.
“Today’s event is a reflection of that commitment, his thoughtful initiative to distribute 3,500 life jackets to Ogun State is not merely a gesture; it is a lifeline to thousands of our riverine and coastal communities,” Governor Abiodun stated.
Furthermore, the Governor highlighted his administration’s continued prioritization of multi-modal transportation—road, rail, and water—as a catalyst for economic growth and social inclusion, aligning with the Ministry’s Strategic Transportation Masterplan (STMP). He emphasized that with extensive inland waterways and a vibrant population reliant on maritime activities, ensuring marine safety is paramount.
“Beyond the distribution of these life jackets—which are vital—it is our goal to foster a safety-first culture, where precautionary measures are not seen as optional, but as essential components of responsible transportation,” Governor Abiodun affirmed. He reiterated that safety on the waterways is a fundamental right, with each life jacket representing a potentially saved life and a secured future. This initiative also aligns with the human capital development pillar of the state’s ISEYA agenda.
Ogun State lauded the synergy fostered with the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, commending their dedication to marine infrastructure, safety standards, and the blue economy. The state pledged full support to sustain this momentum, not only in marine safety but also in enhancing inland waterways as viable and secure alternatives to road transport.
Addressing waterway users, boat operators, fishermen, and residents, Governor Abiodun urged them to embrace the life jackets and the knowledge gained from the sensitization efforts as daily companions. He assured the Federal Ministry of Marine & Blue Economy and NIWA that the life jackets would be equitably distributed to verified and registered operators across all active riverine corridors, from Iwopin to Ebute-Ero, Agbara to Tongeji, and Imakun Omi to Ode-Omi, with strict monitoring and maintenance protocols in place for sustainability and accountability.
In her address, the Permanent Secretary, Ogun State Ministry of Transportation, Aderonke Tokubo-Peters urged stakeholders to take safety seriously as there was no alternative to safety.
Also, speaking, the Managing Director, National Inland Waterways Authority, NIWA, who was represented by the Head of Marine, Lagos, Elsie Egwuatu, said the issue of safety cannot be overemphasized, adding, “So if you think safety is expensive, try disaster. Over 90 percent of accidents that happen on our waterways are caused by human error”.
Speaking on behalf of Stakeholders at the event, the National President, Association of Tourist Boat Operators and Water Transporters of Nigeria ATBOWATON, Tarzan Balogun called for intensified regulatory efforts to prioritize safety and infrastructural development on Nigerian waterways.
Signed
Anastasia Ogbonna
Director, Information and PR
