The Federal Government is making moves to distribute life jackets in 12 coastal states as part of efforts to curb incessant accidents on the waterways.
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, who disclosed this on Wednesday, officially launched the distribution of 3,500 life jackets in Lagos State
He explained that the Federal Government’s nationwide water safety campaign was aimed at enhancing security on Nigeria’s inland waterways.
The event, held during a marine safety sensitisation and life jackets distribution exercise in Lagos, also underscores the ministry’s unwavering commitment to a safety-first culture, particularly in riverine communities where water transport is a daily mode of movement.
Represented by a Director in the ministry, Dr Mercy Ilori, the minister also noted that the initiative, which had been carried out in Niger, Bayelsa, Anambra and Akwa Ibom States would extend to other coastal states over the coming months.
Highlighting the importance of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, the Minister outlined three core pillars of the campaign which include: Enforcement of the Inland Waterways Transportation Regulations 2023, Ongoing public sensitization on safety, and Provision of life-saving equipment, including life jackets.
Oyetola praised the proactive efforts of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu in transforming water transportation in Lagos and commended the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) for its regulatory oversight and public awareness drives.
Also, the minister urged boat operators, community leaders, and transport unions to adopt the life-saving slogan: “No life jacket, no entry,” stressing that life jackets were “shields, not inconveniences and called on all stakeholders to make water safety a shared responsibility.
Also speaking at the event, the Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Oluwaseun Osiyemi, described the initiative as a timely intervention, saying that with over 85 per cent of daily commutes in Lagos currently done via road, Osiyemi emphasised the importance of expanding safe and reliable water transport to meet the needs of the state’s growing population.
He added: “This initiative is not just about safety gear; it’s about building a safety culture,” Osiyemi said, thanking the Federal Ministry and NIWA for their support and partnership.
Also, NIWA Managing Director, Mr. Bola Oyebamiji, emphasised that in the water transport sector, safety is the real measure of success.
He reiterated NIWA’s determination to achieve zero fatalities on Nigeria’s waterways and confirmed that six of the twelve targeted states have already benefitted from the campaign.
