Joyce Mmereole Okoli
In a major push to improve safety across Nigeria’s inland waterways, the Federal Government on Wednesday distributed 3,500 life jackets in Lagos State as part of its ongoing nationwide water safety campaign.
The initiative, spearheaded by the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, is part of efforts to create a safety-first culture in riverine communities where water transport is essential to daily life.
Speaking at the Marine Safety Sensitization and Life Jackets Distribution Exercise in Lagos, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola — represented by Dr. Mercy Ilori, a Director in the Ministry reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving safety and security on the nation’s waterways.
Oyetola revealed that similar exercises have already taken place in Niger, Bayelsa, Anambra, and Akwa Ibom States, and that the campaign will soon be extended to a total of 12 states across Nigeria’s coastal regions.
The initiative, he said, is aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and is built on three core pillars: enforcement of the Inland Waterways Transportation Regulations 2023, continuous public sensitization on water safety, and provision of life-saving equipment like life jackets.
“Life jackets are shields, not inconveniences,” the Minister emphasized, calling on boat operators, community leaders, and transport unions to adopt the mantra: ‘No life jacket, no entry’.
He also praised Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for his efforts in transforming water transport in the state and commended the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) for its regulatory leadership.
Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Oluwaseun Osiyemi, described the program as a timely intervention to support the state’s vision of expanding water transport as a viable alternative to road travel.
“With over 85% of daily commuting still done by road, this initiative helps build the foundation for a reliable and safer marine transport system,” he said.
NIWA Managing Director, Mr. Bola Oyebamiji, also addressed attendees, reiterating the agency’s goal of achieving zero fatalities on Nigerian waterways.
“While profitability is the measure of success in finance, safety is our profit here,” Oyebamiji declared, adding that six of the twelve targeted states have already benefitted, with the remainder to follow within the next one to two years.
“We enforce a strict safety policy: if you don’t wear a life jacket, you don’t get in the boat. It is that serious,” he said.
Earlier, General Manager of the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA), Mr. Damilola Emmanuel, welcomed stakeholders and hailed the initiative as a significant stride toward sustainable marine transport.
“This is more than just a distribution. it is a step toward ensuring our waterways remain functional and safe,” he stated.