Security & Safety
NIWA Distributes Over 42,000 Life Jackets as Part of Nationwide Water Safety Campaign
In a significant push to enhance safety on Nigeria’s inland waterways, the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has distributed over 42,000 life jackets across the country as part of its nationwide water safety campaign.
This was disclosed by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Alhaji Adegboyega Oyetola, during a stakeholder engagement held Thursday in Lagos. The Minister said the effort was part of broader reforms by the Ministry and its agencies to improve inland water transport safety, reduce accidents, and save lives.
Oyetola highlighted the initiative as a key component of NIWA’s implementation of the 2023 Inland Waterways Transportation Regulation. Alongside the distribution of life jackets, he noted that NIWA had also deployed ferries, patrol boats, and trained marshals to further strengthen water safety operations across Nigeria’s waterways.
“These interventions have contributed significantly to reducing the rate of boat mishaps and promoting responsible use of our inland waters,” he said.
The water safety campaign aligns with the broader goals of the Marine and Blue Economy Ministry, which was established in 2023. Since its creation, the Ministry has worked to enhance maritime safety, modernize port infrastructure, and reposition Nigeria’s blue economy as a catalyst for national development.
While celebrating Nigeria’s achievement of three consecutive years without piracy through the Deep Blue Project, Oyetola emphasized that inland waterway safety remains equally critical.
The Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to sustainability and safety in maritime operations, stating that the life jacket distribution is just one of many initiatives aimed at protecting lives and promoting water transport.
Stakeholders at the event, including representatives from the Customs Service, WISTA Nigeria, and private sector maritime groups, commended the Ministry’s efforts and called for continued collaboration to improve the sector.
The distribution of life jackets, deployment of equipment, and training of marshals are expected to further improve public confidence in water transport and contribute to safer, more reliable inland navigation systems across the country.