By Abbas Nazil
In an effort to improve safety on Nigeria’s inland waterways, the Federal Government has launched a nationwide life jacket distribution and sensitisation campaign, targeting 12 riverine states.
The initiative, which was announced by the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, seeks to safeguard the lives and livelihoods of Nigerians who rely heavily on water transport for mobility and commerce.
The campaign, implemented through the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) is to feature the distribution of 42,000 life jackets to waterway users across the selected states.
Each state is set to receive 3,500 life jackets in the first phase of the intervention, with particular emphasis placed on vulnerable communities that depend on water-based transportation.
This proactive measure, according to the Minister, underscores the government’s unwavering commitment to promoting safety, reducing fatalities, and improving welfare in riverine areas.
Oyetola expressed deep concern over the increasing frequency of boat mishaps across Nigeria’s inland waterways, many of which have been attributed to human error and the lack of basic safety equipment.
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The minister emphasized that this alarming trend requires urgent and coordinated action.
“This is a collective responsibility,” he said, calling on all levels of government to join forces in making Nigeria’s waterways safer and more efficient.
To complement the distribution of life jackets, the Ministry is also enforcing the Inland Waterways Transportation Code 2023, a regulatory framework designed to standardize safety practices and operations on inland waters.
A special Committee on boat mishaps has also been inaugurated to identify long-term solutions and implement reforms that address the root causes of accidents on the waterways.
The life jacket initiative and accompanying safety measures reflect a multi-pronged strategy by the Ministry to not only improve public safety but also position the nation’s inland waterways as key drivers of economic growth and sustainable development.
Oyetola highlighted the critical role of safe water transport in connecting communities, facilitating trade, and enhancing national integration.
“This intervention is not just about distributing safety gear; it is about changing attitudes and promoting a culture of responsibility and preparedness on our waterways,” the Minister stated.
He urged local governments, traditional institutions, transport unions, and community leaders to support the campaign and ensure that the distributed life jackets are used appropriately.
