Towards ffort to improve safety on Nigeria’s inland waterways, the Federal Government has donated 3,500 life jackets to the Ogun State Government. These safety devices are set to be distributed to registered water transport operators across the state, reinforcing the government’s commitment to safeguarding lives on our waters.

The donation was announced on Tuesday by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola. Represented by the Director of Maritime Services, Dr. Mercy Ilori, the Minister emphasised that this initiative is a vital part of a broader national strategy aimed at significantly reducing preventable waterway accidents.

“This is one of the most comprehensive responses we’ve seen in recent times to the ongoing challenges of boat mishaps nationwide,” Oyetola remarked. “We’ve already extended similar support to Niger, Bayelsa, Anambra, Akwa Ibom, Delta, Taraba, and Lagos States. Today, in Ogun, we reaffirm our dedication to protecting lives and livelihoods, continuing the momentum of these life-saving efforts.”

Oyetola outlined a three-pronged approach to tackling the safety crisis: strict enforcement of the 2023 Inland Waterways Transportation Regulations, ongoing public awareness campaigns, and the provision of essential safety equipment such as life jackets.

He praised the role of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) in ensuring safety compliance, monitoring vessel operations, and supporting community education efforts.

Representing Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, the Commissioner for Transportation, Engr. Gbenga Dairo, expressed gratitude for the generous donation. He assured that the life jackets would be distributed fairly and efficiently to verified boat operators, further strengthening safety measures across the state’s water routes.

This initiative underscores Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to making inland water transportation safer for everyone, ensuring that leisure and commercial activities on our waterways are conducted with adequate safety precautions in place.