The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has vowed to implement sweeping reforms to improve maritime safety and prevent recurring fatalities on Nigeria’s waterways.
This commitment follows the submission of a report by the Special Committee on the Prevention of Boat Mishaps in Nigeria, which was inaugurated by the Minister in February 2025.
The committee, chaired by the Managing Director/CEO of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Bola Oyebamiji, presented a detailed report outlining key findings and recommendations. Oyetola emphasized that the safety of citizens on water is a moral duty and a policy responsibility, stressing that every life lost in a boat mishap is one too many.
The Minister highlighted the need for attitudinal change among water transport users, particularly regarding the use of life jackets, which he described as non-negotiable.
He also revealed plans to phase out rickety boats and replace them with safer, standard-compliant alternatives. Oyetola called on state governments to collaborate with the Federal Government in enforcing standards and saving lives.
The report contains 64 recommendations, including the establishment of a Coastal Guard, creation of a National Boat Design Policy, mandatory certification and formal training for boat operators, increased funding for NIWA, and setting up search and rescue stations at strategic locations.
The Minister assured that the Federal Government would study the recommendations closely and act where policy adjustments or institutional coordination are required.
Oyetola recently approved a nationwide distribution of life jackets to riverine and coastal communities as part of a strategic intervention to curb boat mishaps and related fatalities. He urged beneficiaries to prioritize safety by consistently using the life jackets. The submission of the report marks a pivotal moment in President Bola Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda,” particularly in fostering sustainable and safe blue economy practices.