The Federal Government has distributed 35,000 life jackets to riverine states across the country as part of its waterway safety intervention for 2025 and urged state governments to phase out wooden boats used for commercial water transportation to curb recurring boat accidents on Nigeria’s inland waterways.

Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday while renewing calls on state governments to strengthen safety measures and ban unsafe wooden boats used for commercial water transportation.

According to the minister, the life jackets were distributed to enhance safety consciousness, emergency preparedness and compliance with basic safety standards among waterway users, especially in riverine and coastal communities where water transport remains a primary means of movement.

Oyetola said the intervention was prompted by the frequent boat mishaps recorded across the country, many of which have resulted in loss of lives and property.

“Our goal is simple: to prevent avoidable deaths on our waterways.

“The distribution of 35,000 life jackets is part of deliberate efforts by the Federal Government to protect lives and promote a culture of safety in water transportation,” the minister said.

He noted, however, that despite the intervention, boat accidents have continued to occur, largely due to non-compliance with safety rules, including refusal to wear life jackets, night travel, overloading, and the continued use of rickety wooden boats.

The minister warned waterway users to take personal responsibility for their safety, urging passengers to insist on wearing approved life jackets before embarking on any journey.

“Passengers must refuse to board overloaded or unsafe boats. No journey is worth risking your life. Wearing life jackets is not optional; it is a lifesaving necessity,” he cautioned.

Oyetola also called on state governments to complement FG’s efforts by enforcing safety regulations, providing additional life jackets, and investing in safer alternatives such as fibre-reinforced plastic and aluminium boats.

He explained that wooden boats, which are still widely used in many riverine states, are highly unsafe, prone to rapid deterioration, structural failure and capsizing.

“Wooden boats deteriorate quickly due to constant exposure to water.

They crack, leak and collapse, especially when overloaded. Most of them lack basic safety features,” he said.

The minister stressed that ensuring safety on Nigeria’s waterways requires collective action and strong political will at both federal and state levels.

“Water transportation is a critical component of our blue economy. But it must be safe, regulated and sustainable. Through measures like the distribution of life jackets and the adoption of safer boats, we can drastically reduce these tragic incidents and protect our people,” Oyetola added.