The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, CON, has renewed his call on state governments across the country to urgently phase out wooden boats used for commercial water transportation and replace them with safer, modern fibre-reinforced plastic and aluminium vessels.
The Minister made the appeal against the backdrop of recent fatal boat accidents that have claimed several lives, describing the incidents as tragic, painful and avoidable. He expressed deep sympathy for the victims and extended condolences to families affected by the mishaps.
Dr. Oyetola also urged waterway users to take greater responsibility for their personal safety by strictly observing basic safety rules. He warned against night travel, citing poor visibility and heightened risks, and advised passengers to insist on wearing approved life jackets at all times.
“No journey is worth risking your life,” the Minister cautioned. “Waterway users must refuse to board rickety or overloaded boats, avoid night travel and ensure they wear life jackets. Safety must always come first.”
According to the Minister, the persistent use of unsafe wooden boats and widespread non-compliance with safety standards remain the leading causes of accidents on Nigeria’s inland waterways. He noted that many wooden boats are poorly constructed, inadequately maintained and vulnerable to structural failure, particularly when overloaded or exposed to adverse weather conditions.
“Wooden boats deteriorate rapidly due to constant exposure to water, leading to cracks, leakages and eventual collapse,” he explained. “They lack stability, are easily capsized and often operate without proper regulation or safety features, placing passengers’ lives at serious risk.”
Dr. Oyetola stressed that replacing wooden boats with fibre and aluminium vessels would significantly enhance safety on the waterways. He noted that modern boats are more durable, stable and resistant to corrosion, making them better suited for commercial operations.
“These vessels are stronger, more reliable and easier to maintain,” he said. “They provide better balance and buoyancy, reduce the risk of sudden breakage and can be equipped with essential safety devices.”
Reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to improving waterway safety, the Minister disclosed that the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy distributed 35,000 life jackets to riverine states in 2025 as part of efforts to strengthen safety awareness and preparedness.
However, he observed that despite these interventions, boat accidents continue to occur largely due to the continued use of unsafe wooden boats. He therefore called on state governments to complement federal efforts by investing in modern, non-wooden vessels for commercial transportation and ensuring the provision of standard life jackets for passengers.
Dr. Oyetola emphasised that achieving safer waterways requires collective action and strong political will at all levels of government.
“Water transportation is a vital component of our blue economy,” he said. “But it must be safe, regulated and sustainable. By working together, we can put an end to these recurring tragedies and protect the lives of our citizens.”
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