Tinubu's Top Minister Takes Strong Action To Stop Frequent Boat Mishaps: "We Can't Do It Alone"
- Oyetola calls for urgent collaboration to stop boat mishaps, saying the Federal Government alone cannot tackle the crisis without strong state and stakeholder support
- Government to phase out unsafe boats and distribute life jackets, as part of sweeping reforms to reduce fatalities on Nigeria’s inland waterways
- NIWA-led committee proposes 64 safety measures, including Coastal Guard creation, operator certification, and new search and rescue stations
In a determined effort to end the spate of tragic boat mishaps on Nigeria’s waterways, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has declared that the Federal Government cannot act alone and needs strong collaboration from state governments and key stakeholders.
Oyetola: Boat mishaps are unacceptable and preventable
Source: Getty Images
Speaking on Friday, August 1, at the ministry’s headquarters in Abuja, Oyetola made the remarks while receiving the report of the Special Committee on the Prevention of Boat Mishaps in Nigeria.
“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,” the Minister said.
Oyetola described the frequency of boat accidents across the country as “both unacceptable and preventable”, and called for urgent reforms, including strict enforcement of maritime safety rules, responsible passenger behaviour, and stakeholder engagement.
FG vows to phase out unsafe boats
He further revealed that the government would gradually phase out dilapidated boats—many of which have been linked to fatal accidents, and replace them with standard-compliant, safer alternatives.
To promote water safety, the minister announced the recent approval for nationwide distribution of life jackets to riverine communities.
“The fight against boat mishaps cannot be won by the Federal Government alone. We call on state governments to collaborate with us in enforcing standards and saving lives,” he said.
Report offers roadmap for safer waterways
The report presented to the minister was prepared by a 16-member committee led by Bola Oyebamiji, Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA). Oyebamiji said the committee worked beyond its original six-week deadline to ensure thorough analysis and actionable recommendations.
The report spans six chapters, reviewing current safety operations, identifying regulatory lapses, and assessing institutional challenges. It concludes with 64 detailed recommendations.
Among the proposals are the establishment of a Coastal Guard, the introduction of a National Boat Design Policy, mandatory training and certification for boat operators, better funding for NIWA, and the creation of search and rescue stations across key waterways.
“We created four technical sub-committees and engaged through both physical and virtual meetings to ensure we left no stone unturned.
“Our hope is that this report becomes a blueprint for lasting change in water transport safety," Oyebamiji said.
Oyetola: Urgent reforms underway
In his final remarks, Oyetola assured Nigerians that the ministry would swiftly begin implementing the committee’s urgent recommendations.
“As a nation, we must act now. These reforms are not just policies—they are life-saving actions,” he said.
Source: Legit.ng
