Security & Safety
Federal Government Donates 3,500 Life Jackets to Enhance Waterways Safety in Ogun
In a renewed effort to improve safety on Nigeria’s inland waterways, the Federal Government has donated 3,500 life jackets to the Ogun State Government for distribution to registered water transport operators across the state.
The donation, made on Tuesday by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, underscores the government’s resolve to curb recurring boat mishaps and protect the lives of waterway users. Represented at the event by the Director of Maritime Services, Dr. Mercy Ilori, Oyetola described the initiative as a vital component of a national strategy to instill safety consciousness in water transportation.
“This is one of the most coordinated interventions to address the rising number of boat accidents,” Oyetola said. “Similar donations have been made in Niger, Bayelsa, Anambra, Akwa Ibom, Delta, Taraba, and Lagos States. Today in Ogun, we continue this life-saving mission.”
The Minister outlined a three-pronged approach to tackling waterway safety challenges: enforcement of the newly gazetted Inland Waterways Transportation Regulations (2023), sustained public sensitization, and the provision of essential safety equipment such as life jackets.
He also praised the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) for its proactive enforcement, monitoring, and advocacy roles in advancing maritime safety.
Receiving the donation on behalf of Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, Commissioner for Transportation, Engr. Gbenga Dairo, thanked the federal government for the timely intervention. He assured that the life jackets would be distributed fairly to verified operators across the state’s riverine communities.
“Safety on our waterways is a non-negotiable right,” Dairo said. “Each life jacket could mean the difference between life and death. This effort aligns with our ISEYA agenda, which prioritizes human capital development.”
He added that the life jackets would be distributed in communities such as Iwopin, Ebute-Ero, Agbara, Tongeji, Imakun Omi, and Ode-Omi, with mechanisms in place to ensure proper usage and accountability.
Also speaking, NIWA Managing Director, Mr. Bola Oyebamiji—represented by Engr. Elsie Egwuatu—warned against complacency, noting that most accidents are caused by human negligence. She cited recent fatal boat mishaps in Kwara and Niger States, where overcrowding and non-compliance with safety protocols led to tragic losses.
“Over 90 percent of boat accidents are preventable,” she noted. “The new Marine and Transport Regulations make life jackets compulsory and provide stiff penalties for violators, including fines and jail terms.”
National President of the Association of Tourist Boat Operators and Water Transporters of Nigeria (ATBOWATON), Alhaji Tarzan Balogun, commended the federal government’s initiative and called for strict enforcement of safety rules.
“There should be a firm policy: no life jacket, no boarding,” Balogun said. “We must also address other hazards—like intoxicated passengers, overloading, and even carrying animals such as dogs that can trigger panic during transit.”
He also advised the Ogun State Government to establish a dedicated waterways authority and partner with local operators to construct functional jetties that meet community needs. “We can’t afford to build multi-billion naira jetties that serve no one,” he stressed.
The event marks another milestone in the federal government’s drive to promote marine safety, protect lives, and support sustainable development in Nigeria’s maritime and blue economy sectors.