The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has pledged sweeping reforms to improve maritime safety and end the recurring tragedies on Nigeria’s waterways.
Speaking in Abuja on Friday while receiving the report of the Special Committee on the Prevention of Boat Mishaps in Nigeria, Oyetola said the Federal Government remains unwavering in its commitment to making the nation’s waters safe for all users.
“The current spate of boat mishaps is unacceptable and preventable. It must be tackled through a blend of policy enforcement, stakeholder cooperation, and behavioural change.
The safety of our citizens on water is not just a policy responsibility; it is a moral duty. Every life lost in a boat mishap is one too many,” he said.
Oyetola described the committee’s report as a foundation for both immediate and long-term reforms, adding that the recommendations will be reviewed closely to determine necessary policy adjustments and improve institutional coordination.
As part of planned safety measures, he emphasised that the use of life jackets will be strictly enforced, describing them as “non-negotiable” for all water transport users.
The government, he said, will also phase out rickety boats — often linked to fatal accidents — and replace them with safer, standard-compliant vessels.
He appealed to state governments to align with federal safety initiatives, stressing that “the fight against boat mishaps cannot be won by the Federal Government alone” and calling for stronger collaboration in enforcing safety standards.
Oyetola also disclosed that he had recently approved the nationwide distribution of life jackets to riverine and coastal communities as part of a strategic intervention to curb the alarming rate of fatalities on waterways.
“We urge all beneficiaries to prioritise safety by consistently and correctly using life jackets whenever they travel on water,” he added.
Presenting the report, Committee Chairman and Managing Director/CEO of the National Inland Waterways Authority, Bola Oyebamiji, said the committee exceeded its initial six-week mandate to ensure a thorough and credible outcome, with detailed findings and recommendations aimed at transforming maritime safety in Nigeria.
