By Awyetu Asabe Hope
Residents of Ogun
State, particularly those living in riverine communities, have been urged to prioritise safety by wearing life jackets while travelling on waterways to reduce avoidable deaths during boat accidents.
The Area Manager of the National Inland Waterways Authority in Abeokuta, Adeleye Ipinmoroti, made the call on Wednesday during a sensitisation programme and distribution of life jackets to residents of Akomoje Waterside in Abeokuta North Local Government Area.
The programme was supported by the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.
Speaking at the event, Ipinmoroti warned boat operators and passengers against alcohol consumption before paddling boats, overloading, overspeeding and night travel, stressing that such practices endanger lives on waterways.
He lamented that many lives are lost yearly due to preventable accidents caused by negligence.
A life jacket is the first line of defence against drowning.
It keeps you afloat and allows time to signal for help,” he said, urging residents to adopt the “One Man, One Life Jacket” principle.
Ipinmoroti added that compliance with waterway regulations was mandatory, warning that violators would face penalties.
Also speaking, the Unit Head Marine at the NIWA Abeokuta Area Office, Owolabi Olamuyiwa, said life jackets were compulsory safety equipment on river crafts and must meet standards approved by Safety of Life at Sea.
He also warned operators against night travel, noting that waterway movement is only permitted between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m.
“Anyone operating a boat must be licensed by NIWA and undergo the required training.
Operators must also avoid alcohol before going on the water,” he said.
In his remarks, the Commander, Police, NIWA Abeokuta Area Office, SP Oso Opeyemi, urged residents to make proper use of the life jackets distributed, warning that security agencies would enforce compliance on waterways.
He added that anyone caught travelling without a life jacket could face arrest, prosecution, or penalties including a fine or jail term.
Boat mishaps remain common in Nigeria due to overloading and disregard for safety regulations, despite repeated warnings by authorities.