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- NIWA MD advocates full compliance to safety standards
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola on Tuesday flagged off mass distribution of life jackets and other safety facilities to strengthen maritime safety measures and curb the incessant boat mishaps and fatalities in the country’s riverine areas.
Oyetola reiterated commitment to continuously guaranteeing the security, safety and protection of lives and livelihood of waterways users in the country in line with the President Bola Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda in the marine and blue economy sector.
The 42,000 life jackets and other safety kits were distributed to waterway users as part of the Ministry’s swift response to boat mishaps in the country just as the Minister reassured the commitment of the Ministry through National Inland Waterways Authority to ensure desired safety saying “curbing boat mishaps in Nigeria nonnegotiable.”
Addressing the people at the flag off ceremony, held in Minna, Niger State, Oyetola noted that the first phase 42,000 life jackets would be distributed to waterway users across 12 selected riverine states as each of the beneficiary states had been billed to receive 3,500 life jackets in the first phase of the strategic safety intervention by the Ministry.
The initiative, according to the Minister, is one of the most comprehensive federal responses in recent times to the persistent loss of lives on Nigeria’s waterways adding that the life jackets distribution is a proactive measure and life-saving response to the recurring boat accidents in Nigeria.
“This event transcends mere ceremony, it embodies our unwavering commitment to safeguarding the lives and livelihoods of Nigerians who rely daily on our inland waterways,” Oyetola said.
Citing the rising incidence of mishaps due to human error, poor equipment, and non-compliance with safety measures, the Minister underscored the urgent need for collective action to end the menace.
Oyetola also highlighted the government’s introduction of the Inland Waterways Transportation Regulations, 2023 known as the Waterways Transportation Code which is aimed at standardizing operations, enforcing compliance, and creating a more structured environment for investment and safety.
In his remarks, Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, who was represented by the Speaker, Niger State House of Assembly, Abdulmalik Sarkin-Daji, lauded Oyetola for launching the campaign in Niger State.
He described the state as a “critical focal point” in the battle against waterway mishaps, revealing that Niger State recorded the highest casualties from boat accidents in 2024.
“The state government is determined to address this issue frontally through strict enforcement and proactive intervention,” Sarkin-Daji said.
In his remarks, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, National Inland Waterways Authority, Bola Oyebamiji implored concerned authorities particularly state governments, traditional institutions, waterway users and transport operators to fully embrace the initiative and comply with safety standards by promoting a culture of accountability and preparedness across Nigeria’s inland waterways.
Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Olufemi Oloruntola, reiterated the importance of wearing life jackets, noting that “while vessel owners and operators are legally responsible for providing them, the government has stepped in to bridge the gap.”
“Our mission here today is to reiterate and encourage the use of lifejackets by all inland water travelers. Safety on our waters is the first rule and remains a government priority. It deserves the cooperation of all,” Oloruntola added.
He urged continuous sensitization and public education to promote life jacket usage.
Similarly, the Niger State Commissioner for Transport, Hajiya Hadiza Idris Kuta, expressed appreciation to the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy for also donating three passenger boats, a water ambulance, and a patrol boat, through the NIWA to bolster the state’s marine safety efforts.
In their separate goodwill messages, the representative of the Etsu Nupe and Chairman of the Niger State Council of Chiefs, Brig. Gen. Yahaya Abubakar (Rtd); the Chairman of the Niger State House Committee on Transport; the Chairman of the Association of Boat Operators in Niger State; as well as representatives of boat commuters and community leaders, commended the Ministry for its strategic and timely intervention.