Joyce Mmereole Okoli
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, His Excellency Adegboyega Oyetola, CON, has expressed deep sorrow over the recent boat accident in Shagari Local Government Area of Sokoto State, describing the loss of lives as “painful and avoidable.”
In a heartfelt message of condolence on behalf of the Federal Government, Oyetola sympathized with the victims and families affected, while lamenting the recurring tragedies on Nigeria’s waterways.
Calling for urgent reforms, the Minister appealed to State governments to phase out wooden boats which he described as unsafe and outdated and invest in sturdier fibre and aluminium vessels that meet modern safety standards.
“Wooden boats have served their time, but they cannot be the future of water transport in Nigeria. The tragic mishaps we continue to witness are a direct consequence of unsafe vessels. The time has come to chart a safer course for our people,” Oyetola declared.
The Minister explained that despite Federal Government interventions including the recent distribution of 3,500 life jackets to each riverine State fatalities persist largely because of the widespread use of wooden boats. He warned that these vessels are structurally weak, easily overloaded, and ill-suited for modern commercial operations.
Emphasising that waterways hold the key to easing road congestion, boosting commerce, and unlocking the nation’s blue economy, Oyetola said Nigerians must be assured of safety before they can trust water transport.
“Our Ministry has mandated the use of life jackets, but life jackets alone cannot guarantee safety without safe boats. This is the seed we must sow today to secure a safer, more prosperous tomorrow,” he added.
The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to stricter safety regulations, enforcement, and collaboration with States, private investors, and boat manufacturers.
“Every life lost on our waterways is one too many. Together, let us consign wooden boats to history and embrace safer, globally accepted standards for the benefit of our riverine communities and the nation at large,” Oyetola stressed.