Nigeria’s Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr. Adegboyega Oyetola, has urged state governments across the country to invest in safer, modern fibre and aluminium boats to reduce waterway accidents.
According to statement issued on Sunday by the minister’s Special Adviser Bolaji Akinola, Oyetola renewed his call for an urgent ban on the use of wooden boats for commercial water transportation.
It noted that the call was made against the backdrop of recent tragic boat accidents that claimed several lives and left many families in mourning.
He expressed deep sympathy with the victims of the mishaps and extended heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased.
The minister also charged waterway users to take personal responsibility for their safety by adhering strictly to basic safety measures. Oyetola stressed that phasing out wooden boats “in favour of fibre-reinforced plastic and aluminium boats would significantly improve safety on the waterways.”
“Fibre and aluminium boats are more durable, stable, and resistant to corrosion, making them better suited for commercial operations. These modern boats are stronger, more reliable, and easier to maintain. They offer better balance and buoyancy, reduce the risk of sudden breakage, and can be fitted with essential safety equipment,” Oyetola stated.
He warned against night travel, which often comes with poor visibility and higher risks, and urged passengers to insist on wearing approved life jackets at all times.
The minister reiterated that waterway users must refuse to board rickety or overloaded boats, adding that no journey is worth risking lives.
“Avoid night travel, wear life jackets and prioritise safety above all else,” Oyetola stated. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the families who lost their loved ones. These recurring tragedies are painful and unacceptable, and they underscore the urgent need to address the root causes of waterway accidents in the country,” he said.
According to the minister, the continued reliance on rickety boats in many riverine states and non-adherence to safety standards remain the major contributors to accidents on Nigeria’s inland waterways.
He noted that many of these boats are poorly constructed, inadequately maintained, and prone to structural failure, especially when overloaded or exposed to harsh weather conditions.
“Wooden boats deteriorate quickly due to constant exposure to water, leading to cracks, leakages, and eventual collapse. They lack stability, are easily capsized, and often have no safety features. In many cases, they are operated without proper regulation or adherence to safety standards, putting passengers’ lives at serious risk,” he stated.
According to local media reports, in December, no fewer than six passengers were confirmed dead and four rescued following a boat accident along the Nigerdock axis of the Igbologun Water Channel in Lagos.
GIK/APA