The Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy launches the distribution of 42,000 life jackets to waterway users across 12 riverine states, as part of efforts to enhance safety and reduce fatalities on Nigeria’s inland waterways.
The initiative was flagged off in Minna, Niger State, by the Minister of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue economy Adegboyega Oyetola on Tuesday with each of the selected states receiving 3,500 life jackets in the first phase of the intervention.
Oyetola described the programme as a critical, life-saving response to the frequent boat accidents claiming lives in riverine communities. He said the move complements the newly introduced Inland Waterways Transportation Regulations, 2023, aimed at improving operational safety and compliance nationwide.
Speaking at the event, Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, represented by Speaker Abdulmalik Sarkin-Daji, commended the federal initiative, noting that Niger State recorded the highest boat-related casualties in 2024.
The government also donated additional safety assets, including passenger boats, a patrol boat, and a water ambulance, through the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), to bolster marine safety efforts in the state.
