Get Guardian on GoogleThe Federal Government, through the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, has begun enforcement of life jackets by waterways users, urging boat operators and ferry associations to imbibe the slogan, “No life jacket, no entry.”
Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, made this known when he led the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) to distribute the product to the Lagos State government, through the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA), which commenced on May 28, 2025, with the aim of ending preventable boat mishaps and fatalities.
Oyetola, represented by the ministry’s Director of Maritime Services, Dr Mercy Ilori, expressed concern over the recurring tragedies on the country’s waterways, often caused by neglect of basic safety measures, especially the non-use of life jackets.
“Too many of our citizens have died needlessly due to boat accidents that could have been prevented with basic safety measures, such as the proper use of life jackets,” he said.
The Managing Director of NIWA, Bola Oyebamiji, reiterated that safety on the nation’s inland waterways cannot be over-emphasised.
He said the donation was in response to the quest for zero boat accidents on the waterways, even as he assured that soon, the agency would record zero mishaps due to ongoing sensitisation efforts.
The General Manager of LASWA, Damilola Emmanuel, pledged that the 3,500 life jackets would be fairly distributed to passengers and operators.
