FG to Enforce Sweeping Maritime Safety Reforms as Oyetola Receives Report on Boat Mishaps
Kathy Kyari
The Federal Government is set to implement a series of comprehensive reforms to tackle the alarming rate of boat accidents on Nigeria’s waterways, following the submission of a detailed report by the Special Committee on the Prevention of Boat Mishaps.
Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, CON, received the committee’s report on Friday, 1st August 2025, in Abuja, and declared the government’s resolve to act decisively in enhancing maritime safety.
Describing the frequent fatalities on inland and coastal waters as “unacceptable and preventable,” Oyetola emphasised the need for strong enforcement, stakeholder engagement, and public awareness.
“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,” the Minister said. “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.”
He also called for an attitudinal shift among water transport users, particularly with regard to life jacket usage, describing such safety gear as mandatory. He revealed that plans were underway to phase out old and unsafe boats, replacing them with vessels that meet safety standards.
Oyetola further appealed to sub-national governments to join hands with the Federal Government, stating, “The fight against boat mishaps cannot be won by the Federal Government alone. We call on state governments to collaborate with us in enforcing standards and saving lives.”
The Minister disclosed that he had recently approved the nationwide distribution of life jackets to riverine and coastal communities as part of an urgent intervention. He urged beneficiaries to use them properly and consistently when travelling by water.
The Special Committee, inaugurated on 27th February 2025, was tasked with conducting a thorough review of commercial boat operations in Nigeria, identifying root causes of mishaps, and proposing sustainable solutions.
Chairman of the Committee and Managing Director/CEO of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Bola Oyebamiji, presented the report to the Minister, noting that the 16-member team had exceeded its six-week timeline in order to produce a credible and robust document.
According to Oyebamiji, the six-chapter report provides in-depth assessments of operational practices, regulatory lapses, vessel design standards, and institutional capacity gaps. He said it includes a strategic roadmap for reforming the sector.
Of the 64 recommendations developed by four technical sub-committees, 17 were identified as priority actions. These include the establishment of a Coastal Guard for waterway safety enforcement; the development of a National Boat Design Policy to regulate vessel types; mandatory certification and training for boat operators; increased funding for NIWA’s technical departments; and the creation of search and rescue stations at key locations.
“We adopted both physical and virtual meetings and created four specialised sub-committees to ensure a robust and practical report. We hope our findings serve as a blueprint for lasting safety in the sector,” Oyebamiji said.
He expressed gratitude to the Minister for his unwavering support and praised committee members for their dedication and sacrifices.
The submission of the report is seen as a milestone in President Bola Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda,” particularly in the area of sustainable maritime governance and safety.
Committee members include Dr. Dayo Moberuola, Prof. S. Abiodun, Dr. Babatunde Olaosebikan, Prof. Busayo Fakinlede, Hadiza Idris Kuta, Engr. Yahaya Farouk, Attahiru Maccido, Denis Tar Iyaghigba, Gani Tarzan Balogun, Capt. Stan Chucka Igwe, Raiph Onoshakpor, Prof. Ibiba Douglas, Richard Ntan, Babatope Fajemirokun, and Ofie Adams.
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