The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, on Wednesday donated 3,500 lifejackets to the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) as part of its ongoing initiative to enhance safety across Nigeria’s inland waterways.
Speaking at the handover ceremony, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr. Adegboyega Oyetola—represented by the Director of Marine Services, Dr. Mercy Ilori—said the donation was a key part of the Tinubu administration’s effort to promote a culture of safety in waterway transport.
Dr. Ilori noted that the lifejackets were targeted at riverine communities where water transport is an essential part of daily life. Similar safety campaigns have already been implemented in Niger, Bayelsa, Anambra, and Akwa Ibom States, with plans to extend the initiative to other coastal regions.
“The challenge of boat mishaps and preventable fatalities remains a grave concern,” Oyetola said. “Many of these incidents could be avoided with basic safety practices, especially the consistent use of lifejackets.”
The minister emphasized the ministry’s three-pronged approach to improving waterway safety: enforcement of the Inland Waterways Transportation Regulations (2023), continuous public education and sensitization, and provision of safety equipment like lifejackets.
He also highlighted the pivotal role of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) in regulation, compliance, and enforcement.
“To sustain this safety campaign, partnerships with state and local governments are critical,” he added. “We call on traditional rulers, community leaders, transport unions, and boat operators to take ownership and help embed a culture of safety at the grassroots.”
Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Oluwaseun Osiyemi, praised the initiative, noting that such efforts would not only improve safety but also boost public confidence in water transport.
“This gesture from the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy will go a long way in reaching underserved communities and building a robust safety culture on our waterways,” Osiyemi said.
NIWA Managing Director, Mr. Bola Oyebamiji, stressed the importance of shared responsibility for safety, calling on lawmakers to expedite the passage of the Coast Guard Bill.
“Water marshals can only do so much,” he said. “We need a proper coast guard to tackle crime and ensure security on our waterways.”
Also speaking, the General Manager of LASWA, Mr. Oluwadamilola Emmanuel, emphasized that the campaign was more than a collaboration it was about saving lives.
“Of the 3,500 lifejackets donated, 1,000 are already here, and the remaining 2,500 will arrive by the first week of June,” he said. “We’re ensuring these jackets reach the right people passengers and operators alike, and are used properly, not stored at home.”
He added that efforts were underway to push for legislation that would mandate lifejacket usage and penalize violators, helping to eliminate avoidable tragedies on Lagos waters.
