The Federal Government has announced plans to implement new strategies to tackle the rising number of boat mishaps across Nigeria’s inland waterways.
Speaking in Abuja on Friday, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr. Adegboyega Oyetola, said the government would act swiftly on a new report submitted by a Special Committee on the Prevention of Boat Mishaps.
The 16-member committee, inaugurated in February 2025, was tasked with reviewing commercial boat operations nationwide, identifying root causes of accidents, and recommending sustainable solutions.
“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,” Oyetola declared.
He said the report would form the basis for immediate and long-term reforms, including improved surveillance, stricter enforcement of safety protocols, and investment in modern water transport infrastructure.
Oyetola also reiterated the need for attitudinal change, especially regarding the non-negotiable use of life jackets. He urged communities who benefited from the government’s distribution of over 42,000 life jackets to make consistent use of them.
He further revealed plans to phase out rickety boats and replace them with safer, standard-compliant alternatives, while calling on state governments to align with federal efforts by enforcing safety rules in their jurisdictions.
Key Recommendations
Chairman of the Special Committee and Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Mr. Bola Oyebamiji, said the report contained 64 recommendations, including:
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Establishment of a Coastal Guard to enforce waterway safety.
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Creation of a National Boat Design Policy to regulate vessel types.
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Mandatory training and certification of boat operators.
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Increased funding for NIWA, especially for hydrographic and marine engineering operations.
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Creation of search and rescue stations at strategic locations.
Oyebamiji noted that the recommendations emerged from broad consultations with stakeholders, including boat operators, regulators, and riverine communities.
“The committee exceeded its initial six-week mandate to ensure credibility and depth in the recommendations,” he said.
The Minister assured that the government would thoroughly review and act on the proposals to prevent future tragedies on the nation’s waterways.
