April 30, (THEWILL) – The Federal Government has launched the distribution of 42,000 life jackets to waterway users across 12 selected riverine states, as part of efforts to curb the rising spate of boat mishaps in the country.
Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, flagged off the initiative on Tuesday in Minna, the Niger State capital.
Oyetola said each of the beneficiary states will receive 3,500 life jackets in the first phase of the programme, describing the gesture as a proactive and life-saving response to the frequent boat accidents that have claimed hundreds of lives in recent months.
“This event is more than symbolic; it reflects our strong resolve to protect the lives and livelihoods of Nigerians who depend on our inland waterways for transportation and commerce,” the minister said.
Citing the surge in boat mishaps often caused by human error, poor equipment, and disregard for safety regulations, Oyetola described the situation as a national emergency requiring immediate and coordinated action.
He also highlighted the recent introduction of the Inland Waterways Transportation Regulations, 2023—popularly known as the Waterways Transportation Code—designed to streamline operations, enforce safety standards, and foster a safer and more investor-friendly maritime environment.
Representing Governor Mohammed Bago at the event, Speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly, Abdulmalik Sarkin-Daji, commended the Federal Government for launching the campaign in the state.
Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr. Olufemi Oloruntola, stressed the importance of wearing life jackets, noting that although vessel owners and operators are legally obligated to provide them, government intervention was necessary to close the gap in compliance.
In her remarks, Niger State Commissioner for Transport, Hajiya Hadiza Kuta, expressed gratitude to the ministry for donating three passenger boats, a water ambulance, and a patrol boat to the state through the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), as part of broader efforts to enhance safety on the waterways.
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