The Federal Government has officially begun distributing 3,500 life jackets across 12 states as part of a nationwide effort to improve safety on Nigeria’s waterways. The launch event took place in Minna, Niger State, under the supervision of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.
During the flag-off ceremony, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, described the initiative as a critical step to protect Nigerians who rely on rivers and creeks for daily transport and business. He raised concerns over the growing number of boat mishaps and said the government is focused on practical solutions to reduce these incidents. The life jackets are part of a wider safety campaign that encourages states to prioritize marine transport safety.
Niger State is among the first to receive the jackets. The Minister commended Governor Umaru Bago’s efforts to improve river transport, including the recent procurement of five passenger boats. He urged other state governments to follow Niger’s example in supporting safer water travel.
Representing Governor Bago at the event, the Speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly, Abdulmalik Sarkin Daji, acknowledged the disturbing rate of boat accidents in the region. He said the state has identified key causes and is working to fix them through better enforcement of safety rules, public education, and stronger water transport infrastructure. The governor also assured the public that enforcement of life jacket use would be taken seriously, in partnership with the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) and other agencies.
NIWA’s Managing Director, Bola Oyebamiji, also expressed support for the initiative and praised Niger State’s efforts. He called for stronger cooperation between government bodies and local communities to make water travel safer.
The Commissioner for Transport in Niger State, Hajiya Hadiza Idris Kuta, thanked the federal government for its support. She also noted other recent additions such as ambulance boats, passenger ferries, and the deployment of trained water marshals along major river routes. She said the life jackets will play a major role in reducing risks for daily commuters on waterways.
