As part of efforts to enhance safety on the nation’s inland waterways, the Federal Government has donated 3,500 life jackets to the Ogun State Government for use by waterway operators in the state.

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, who handed over the items on Monday, assured users of the nation’s inland waterways that the ministry would spare no effort in curbing the needless loss of lives on the waterways.

Oyetola, who was represented by the Director of Maritime Services in the Ministry, Dr Mercy Ilori, described the campaign as part of a deliberate national strategy to instil a culture of safety on the country’s inland waterways.

He said, “This is one of the most comprehensive Federal Government responses in recent times to the persistent loss of lives on Nigeria’s waterways.”

The minister noted that the frequency and tragic consequences of boat mishaps across the country remain a source of deep concern. He added that the initiative aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which prioritises life-saving interventions that deliver real change.

Oyetola also highlighted the role of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), an agency under the ministry, in ensuring the success of the initiative. He said NIWA continues to lead in regulation, compliance monitoring, and promoting safety education and enforcement on the nation’s waterways.

Receiving the donation on behalf of the Ogun State Government, Governor Dapo Abiodun assured that the life jackets would be distributed equitably to registered waterway operators across the state.

Abiodun, who was represented by the State Commissioner for Transportation, Gbenga Dairo, affirmed that safety on the state’s waterways is not a privilege but a fundamental right of all residents.