FG To Phase Out Substandard, Unsafe Boats

The Federal Government has said it would phase out substandard and unsafe boats and replace them with modern vessels for safety.

The government also said the replacement vessels would ensure safety of lives and property in the waterways

Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, disclosed this while receiving the report of the Special Committee on the Prevention of Boat Mishaps in Nigeria,

“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 guide both immediate and long-term interventions”, Oyetola stated.

The Minister said the aim is to meet established safety standards in the waterways.

He emphasized the compulsory use of life jackets, described as non-negotiable for all water transport users.

The Minister called for collaboration with state governments and sub-national authorities, noting that addressing the challenge of boat accidents requires collective effort beyond the federal level.

Oyetola further disclosed that a nationwide distribution of life jackets had been approved for riverine and coastal communities.

The 16-member Special Committee, which was inaugurated on February 27, 2025, was tasked with conducting a comprehensive assessment of commercial boat operations across the country.

The committee’s mandate included identifying root causes of accidents and proposing sustainable safety measures.

Presenting the report, Chairman of the Committee and Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Bola Oyebamiji, said the committee’s work was extended beyond the initial six-week timeline to ensure a detailed and credible outcome.

Oyebamiji explained that the report, presented in six chapters, covers an evaluation of operational practices, regulatory gaps, vessel design issues, and institutional capacity.

Oyebamiji expressed appreciation to the Minister for his support and to committee members for their contributions.

“This report reflects our collective effort to improve safety and oversight across Nigeria’s waterways. We believe the findings will serve as a strategic guide for enduring reforms”, he said.

The Committee is composed of experts in maritime safety, engineering, law, academia, and public policy.

Members include Dr. Dayo Moberuola, Prof. S. Abiodun, Dr. Babatunde Olaosebikan, Prof. Busayo Fakinlede, Hadiza Idris Kuta, Engr. Yahaya Farouk, Attahiru Maccido, and Denis Tar Iyaghigba.

Others are Gani Tarzan Balogun, Capt. Stan Chucka Igwe, Raiph Onoshakpor, Prof. Ibiba Douglas, Richard Ntan, Babatope Fajemirokun, and Ofie Adams.