The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has called on state governments across the federation to urgently phase out wooden boats used for commercial water transportation and invest in safer, modern fibre-reinforced plastic and aluminium boats.
Oyetola made the call against the backdrop of recurring boat accidents across the country, which have claimed several lives and plunged many families into mourning. He expressed deep sympathy for victims of recent mishaps and extended condolences to the families of those who lost their lives.
The minister also urged waterway users to take personal responsibility for their safety by strictly adhering to basic safety measures. He warned against night travel due to poor visibility and heightened risks, and advised passengers to insist on wearing approved life jackets at all times.
“Waterway users must refuse to board rickety or overloaded boats,” Oyetola cautioned. “No journey is worth risking your life. Avoid night travel, wear life jackets, and prioritise safety above all else.”
“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 added.
According to the minister, the continued reliance on unsafe wooden boats and poor adherence to safety standards remain the major causes of accidents on Nigeria’s inland waterways. He noted that many of the wooden boats in use are poorly constructed, inadequately maintained, and prone to structural failure, especially when overloaded or exposed to harsh weather conditions.
“Wooden boats deteriorate quickly due to constant exposure to water, leading to cracks, leakages and eventual collapse,” Oyetola explained. “They lack stability, are easily capsized, and often have no safety features. In many cases, they are operated without proper regulation, putting passengers’ lives at serious risk.”
He stressed that replacing wooden boats with fibre-reinforced plastic and aluminium boats would significantly enhance safety on the waterways, noting that modern boats are more durable, stable and resistant to corrosion.
“These modern boats are stronger, more reliable and easier to maintain,” he said. “They offer better balance and buoyancy, reduce the risk of sudden breakage, and can be fitted with essential safety equipment.”
Reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to waterway safety, Oyetola disclosed that the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy distributed 35,000 life jackets to riverine states in 2025 as part of efforts to improve safety awareness and preparedness.
“Despite these interventions, we are still witnessing boat mishaps, largely due to the persistent use of unsafe wooden boats,” the minister said. “This is why we are appealing to state governments to complement federal efforts by investing in modern boats for commercial operations and ensuring the provision of standard life jackets for passengers.”
Oyetola emphasised that safeguarding Nigeria’s waterways requires collective action and strong political will at all levels of government.
“Water transportation is a critical component of our blue economy, but it must be safe, regulated and sustainable. Together, we can end these avoidable tragedies and protect the lives of our citizens,” he said.
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