The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has called on state governments nationwide to invest in safer, modern fibre and aluminium boats to curb waterway accidents.
Oyetola also renewed his urgent appeal for a ban on the use of wooden boats for commercial water transport, according to a statement on Sunday by his Special Adviser, Dr. Bolaji Akinola.
The statement noted that the minister’s appeal follows recent tragic boat accidents that have claimed numerous lives and left many families grieving. He expressed profound sympathy for the victims and extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families.
The minister urged waterway users to take personal responsibility for their safety by strictly following basic safety measures. He emphasized that replacing wooden boats with fibre-reinforced plastic and aluminium vessels “would significantly enhance safety on the waterways.”
“Fibre and aluminium boats are more durable, stable, and resistant to corrosion, making them better suited for commercial operations. These modern boats are stronger, more reliable, and easier to maintain. They offer better balance and buoyancy, reduce the risk of sudden breakage, and can be fitted with essential safety equipment,” Oyetola stated.
He warned against travelling at night due to poor visibility and heightened risks, urging passengers to always wear approved life jackets.
The former Osun State Governor also stressed that waterway users should refuse to board unsafe or overloaded boats, emphasizing that no journey is worth endangering lives.
“Avoid night travel, wear life jackets and prioritise safety above all else,” Oyetola stated. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the families who lost their loved ones. These recurring tragedies are painful and unacceptable, and they underscore the urgent need to address the root causes of waterway accidents in the country,” he said
The minister stated that the continued use of dilapidated boats in many riverine states, along with disregard for safety standards, is a major factor behind accidents on Nigeria’s inland waterways.
He noted that these vessels are often poorly built, inadequately maintained, and susceptible to structural failure, especially when overloaded or exposed to harsh weather.
“Wooden boats deteriorate quickly due to constant exposure to water, leading to cracks, leakages, and eventual collapse. They lack stability, are easily capsized, and often have no safety features. In many cases, they are operated without proper regulation or adherence to safety standards, putting passengers’ lives at serious risk,” he stated.
Reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to waterway safety, Oyetola said the ministry has been implementing measures to reduce accidents. He highlighted the distribution of 35,000 life jackets to riverine states in 2025 as part of efforts to boost safety awareness and preparedness.
“Despite these interventions, we are still witnessing boat mishaps, largely because of the persistent use of unsafe wooden boats. This is why we are appealing to state governments to urgently complement federal efforts by investing in modern, non-wooden boats for commercial operations in their states and provide standard life jackets for all water transport passengers in their domains,” he stressed.
He emphasised that safeguarding Nigeria’s waterways demands collective effort and strong political will at all levels of government.
“Water transportation is a critical component of our blue economy,” Oyetola said. “But it must be safe, regulated, and sustainable. Together, we can put an end to these avoidable tragedies and protect the lives of our citizens.”
