The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has said that the federal government would implement sweeping reforms to improve maritime safety.
Oyetola stated this while receiving the report of the Special Committee on received the report of the Special Committee on the Prevention of Boat Mishaps in Nigeria, on friday in Abuja, and reiterated the government’s unwavering commitment to ensuring Nigerian wateand are safe for all users.
The Minister declared that the current spate of boat mishaps was unacceptable and preventable and must be tackled through a blend of policy enforcement, stakeholder cooperation, and behavioural change.
“The safety of our citizens on water is not just a policy responsibility; it is a moral duty. Every life lost in a boat mishap is one too many.
“This report will serve as a foundation for immediate and long-term reforms. We will study the recommendations closely and act where policy adjustments or institutional coordination are required,” states Oyetola.
The Minister stressed the urgent need for attitudinal change among water transport users, especially regarding the use of life jackets, describing such safety gear as non-negotiable.
He further revealed that the federal government is set to phase out rickety boats, often implicated in fatal accidents, and replace them with safer, standard-compliant alternatives.
In a strong call to action, Oyetola appealed to state governments and other sub-national authorities to align with federal initiatives, stating that the fight against boat mishaps can not be won by the federal government alone. “We call on state governments to collaborate with us in enforcing standards and saving lives,” said Oyetola.
The Minister also said he recently approved a nationwide distribution of life jackets to riverine and coastal communities as part of a strategic intervention to curb the alarming rate of boat mishaps and related fatalities. He urged the beneficiaries to prioritise safety by consistently and correctly using the life jackets whenever they travel on water.
The 16-member Special Committee, inaugurated by the Minister on 27th February 2025, was tasked with conducting a comprehensive review of commercial boat operations in Nigeria, identifying causes of boat mishaps, and proposing sustainable solutions.
