The Federal Government has introduced stricter safety regulations across Nigeria’s waterways, mandating the use of life jackets and announcing the gradual elimination of unsafe wooden boats.
Gboyega Oyetola, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, disclosed the measures during a stakeholders’ marine safety awareness meeting at the Government House Multipurpose Hall in Minna, Niger State.
“The safety of lives on our waterways must be prioritised,” Oyetola said. “Henceforth, the use of life jackets is compulsory, and unsafe, rickety boats must be completely phased out. It is a collective responsibility to safeguard our marine transport system.”
As part of the initiative, the Minister distributed 3,500 life jackets to representatives from 12 states, aiming to instil a culture of safety among boat operators and passengers. The event drew participation from key stakeholders, including NIWA officials, community leaders, and riverine transport operators.
Oyetola, joined by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Olufemi Oritola, and NIWA Managing Director, Bola Oyebamiji, also highlighted that the ministry manages over 853 square kilometres of inland water, though operations are hindered by limited funding.
“Our ministry is responsible for dredging over 853 square kilometres of inland water reservoirs,” he said. “Unfortunately, we are faced with funding limitations which hamper full-scale operations.”
Addressing the issue of the dormant Baro Port in Niger State, the Minister attributed its continued non-functionality to infrastructural gaps.
“Baro Port has remained largely inaccessible due to the absence of functional access roads, nearly seven years after it was commissioned by former President Muhammadu Buhari,” he stated. “Infrastructure must go hand-in-hand with marine development for such assets to serve their purpose.”
Niger State was chosen as the launch site for the life jacket distribution due to its expansive water bodies and the high number of casualties recorded in boat mishaps over the years — reportedly the highest in the country.
Representing Governor Umaru Bago at the event, Speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly, Abdulmalik Sarkindaji, commended the Federal Government’s intervention.
“This initiative is timely and commendable. Niger State Government will support this effort by filling the gaps to ensure that safety becomes a shared value among our riverine communities,” Sarkindaji said.
The marine safety meeting aims to sensitise waterway users and authorities alike, as the Federal Government intensifies its commitment to reducing accidents and improving the reliability of water transportation nationwide.
What you should know
The Federal Government has launched a nationwide marine safety initiative starting in Niger State, mandating life jackets and phasing out unsafe boats. The move follows years of deadly boat mishaps, with Niger State recording the highest casualties.
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