In a bid to end recurring fatalities on Nigeria’s waterways, the Federal Government has announced plans to enforce the compulsory use of life jackets and gradually phase out unsafe and rickety boats from commercial operations.
Adegboyega Oyetola, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, made the declaration on Friday in Abuja while receiving the Report of the Special Committee on the Prevention of Boat Mishaps in Nigeria.
The minister described the current spate of boat accidents as “unacceptable and preventable,” stressing that the government would implement sweeping reforms to restore confidence in water transport and ensure the safety of all users.
“The safety of our citizens on water is not just a policy responsibility; it is a moral duty. Every life lost in a boat mishap is one too many. This report will serve as a foundation for immediate and long-term reforms. We will study the recommendations closely and act where policy adjustments or institutional coordination are required”, he stated.
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According to a statement signed by Bolaji Akinola, Special Adviser, Media and Communications to the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy. The Special Committee, inaugurated on 27th February 2025, was tasked with reviewing commercial boat operations in Nigeria and recommending lasting solutions to frequent accidents.
The 16-member body, led by Bola Oyebamiji, Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), presented a comprehensive report containing 64 recommendations, 17 of which were highlighted as top priorities.
Among the proposals are the establishment of a Coastal Guard to enforce waterway safety regulations, the development of a National Boat Design Policy, and mandatory certification and formal training for boat operators.
Oyetola said the Federal Government had already commenced proactive measures, including the approval of a nationwide distribution of life jackets to riverine and coastal communities. He urged all water transport users to make proper use of the safety gear.
The minister stressed the urgent need for attitudinal change among water transport users, especially regarding the use of life jackets, describing such safety gear as non-negotiable. He further revealed that the Federal Government is set to phase out rickety boats, often implicated in fatal accidents, and replace them with safer, standard-compliant alternatives.
He also warned that ageing and substandard boats, often responsible for tragic incidents, would be systematically removed and replaced with safer, standard-compliant vessels.
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The minister called on State Governments and sub-national bodies to partner with the federal authorities in implementing the safety reforms.
“The fight against boat mishaps cannot be won by the Federal Government alone. We call on state governments to collaborate with us in enforcing standards and saving lives,” he noted.
The Committee chairman commended the minister for the support and expressed optimism that the findings would mark a turning point in Nigeria’s water transport safety.
“We adopted both physical and virtual meetings and created four specialised sub-committees to ensure a robust and practical report. We hope our findings serve as a blueprint for lasting safety in the sector,” he added.
The Committee’s members include a mix of experts from academia, engineering, policy, law, and marine safety.
