Boat accidents: Minister vows reforms maritime safety

In a decisive move to address the persistent threat of boat accidents across Nigerian waterways, the Federal Government has pledged to implement comprehensive reforms aimed at improving maritime safety.

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, made this announcement on Friday in Abuja during the official presentation of the Special Committee on the Prevention of Boat Mishaps in Nigeria report.

“Every Life Lost is One Too Many” – Oyetola

Describing the current wave of boat mishaps as “unacceptable and preventable,” Oyetola declared that the government would act swiftly to tackle the crisis through a combination of policy enforcement, stakeholder collaboration, and attitudinal change.

“The safety of our citizens on water is not just a policy responsibility; it is a moral duty,” he stated.
“Every life lost in a boat mishap is one too many.”

He assured that the committee’s report would form the foundation for both immediate and long-term reforms, noting that the ministry will carefully review the recommendations and take necessary action wherever policy adjustments or institutional coordination are required.

Safety Gear and Boat Standards Now a Top Priority

Oyetola emphasized the non-negotiable importance of life jackets and called for an attitudinal shift among water transport users regarding safety compliance.

“The Federal Government is set to phase out rickety boats, often implicated in fatal accidents, and replace them with safer, standard-compliant alternatives,” he said.

As part of proactive measures, the Minister also revealed that he had recently approved the nationwide distribution of life jackets to riverine and coastal communities. He appealed to the beneficiaries to consistently and correctly use the safety gear while travelling on water.

States Urged to Align with Federal Maritime Safety Initiatives

In a strong call to action, Oyetola urged state governments and sub-national entities to support and align with federal efforts to enhance water transport safety.

“The fight against boat mishaps cannot be won by the Federal Government alone,” he stated.
“We call on state governments to collaborate with us in enforcing standards and saving lives.”

Committee Presents Report with 64 Recommendations

Presenting the detailed report to the Minister, Bola Oyebamiji, the Committee Chairman and Managing Director/CEO of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), disclosed that the committee went beyond its initial six-week mandate to ensure a credible and holistic outcome.

“The report, comprising six chapters, includes detailed analyses of current operations, regulatory gaps, design standards, and institutional capacity.
It also proposes a comprehensive plan to enhance safety and oversight,” Oyebamiji said.

Among the 64 recommendations made, 17 key proposals were highlighted in the final chapter of the report, which was developed by four specialised technical sub-committees. The committee adopted both physical and virtual meetings to ensure a robust and inclusive process.

Towards a Safer Maritime Future

The 16-member Special Committee, inaugurated on February 27, 2025, was tasked with conducting a comprehensive review of commercial boat operations in Nigeria. Its mandate included identifying the root causes of boat mishaps and proposing sustainable solutions for long-term safety.

Oyebamiji expressed gratitude to the Minister for his backing and commended committee members for their dedication and sacrifices.

“We hope our findings serve as a blueprint for lasting safety in the sector,” he concluded.

This sweeping initiative by the Federal Government signals a bold step towards building a safer and more secure maritime transport system, reaffirming its commitment to protecting lives and fostering trust and safety in the nation’s inland waterways.