FG distributes over 40,000 life jackets to boost waterway safety

The Federal Government has initiated the distribution of 42,000 life jackets across 12 riverine states to mitigate boat accidents and improve safety on Nigeria’s inland waterways.

The launch event took place on Tuesday in Minna, Niger State, and was led by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola. Each participating state will receive 3,500 life jackets in the initial phase of this initiative, which the minister characterized as a proactive and life-saving measure in response to the concerning frequency of accidents on the waterways.

Oyetola also emphasized the importance of the Inland Waterways Transportation Regulations 2023 as a framework for standardizing operations and ensuring adherence to safety protocols.

“This initiative is not just symbolic—it reflects our firm commitment to the lives and livelihoods of those who rely daily on our waterways,” he said. The minister blamed rising incidents of boat mishaps on human error, poor equipment, and non-compliance with safety rules.

Representing Niger State Governor Mohammed Bago, Speaker of the State Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abdulmalik Sarkin-Daji, described the state as a critical focal point in the campaign against water transport fatalities. He revealed Niger recorded the highest casualties from boat accidents in 2024.

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Olufemi Oloruntola, stressed the importance of life jacket usage and noted that while operators are required by law to provide them, the government is stepping in to bridge the gap and encourage safety compliance.

The Federal Ministry also donated three passenger boats, a water ambulance, and a patrol boat to Niger State through the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA). Niger’s Commissioner for Transport, Hajiya Hadiza Idris Kuta, praised the support, saying it would strengthen the state’s safety response.

Traditional leaders, boat operators, and community representatives at the event commended the government’s timely intervention, describing it as a step in the right direction toward reducing fatalities and promoting safer travel.

The Federal Government called on all stakeholders—state authorities, traditional institutions, and waterway users—to embrace the initiative and promote a culture of safety, accountability, and compliance across Nigeria’s waterways.