Security & Safety
Oyetola Flags Off Life Jacket Distribution Campaign in Lagos, Pledges Commitment to Zero Mishap
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has launched a distribution campaign for 3,500 life jackets in Lagos State. This initiative underscores the Federal Government’s commitment to achieving zero mishaps on Nigeria’s waterways.
The campaign, which has already taken place in Niger, Bayelsa, Anambra, and Akwa Ibom States, aims to foster a safety-first culture, particularly in riverine communities where water transport is a daily necessity. Oyetola emphasized the importance of enforcing the Inland Waterways Transportation Regulations 2023, sustained public sensitization, and provision of safety equipment.
R-L: The Director, Maritime Services, Marine and Blue Economy Ministry, Dr. Mercy Ilori; Managing Director, National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Mr. Bola Oyebamiji; Lagos State Commissioner for Transport, Hon. Oluwaseun Osiyemi; and the General Manager, Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA), Mr. Oluwadamilola Emmanuel; when the Blue Economy Ministry presented 3500 life-jackets to Lagos State on Wednesday.
The Minister commended Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for his efforts in transforming water transportation in Lagos and praised the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) for driving regulatory compliance and education efforts.
Key Takeaways:
-Life Jacket Distribution: 3,500 life jackets will be distributed in Lagos State as part of a broader national strategy.
Safety Initiative: The Ministry has outlined three key pillars of the safety initiative: enforcement of regulations, public sensitization, and provision of safety equipment.
Collaboration: The event highlights the importance of collaboration between the federal and state governments, as well as relevant agencies, in ensuring safety on Nigeria’s waterways.
The Managing Director of NIWA, Mr. Bola Oyebamiji, emphasized that safety is the “core profitability” of the water transport sector. He revealed that the life jacket distribution campaign will reach 12 coastal states across Nigeria, with six states already covered.
The Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Oluwaseun Osiyemi, highlighted the critical need for safe and reliable water transport in the state, given its unique geography and population size.
The General Manager of the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA), Mr. Damilola Emmanuel, emphasized the importance of prioritizing safety in the water transport sector.
This initiative is a critical step towards enhancing safety on Nigeria’s inland waterways and promoting a safety-first culture.