By Adenike Lawal
Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has kicked off a nationwide marine safety campaign in Niger State, responding to the troubling rise in boat accidents across riverine communities.
The campaign launch, held in one of Niger’s water-reliant areas, saw Oyetola personally distribute life jackets to boat operators and passengers — a move he described as both symbolic and essential in saving lives on Nigeria’s waterways.
With over 140 deaths recorded between June and October last year in Niger and neighboring Kwara, the initiative aims to reduce inland water tragedies through public awareness, stronger community engagement, and better safety practices.
Oyetola stressed that safeguarding Nigeria’s waterways is a shared duty and urged local stakeholders to embrace the campaign as a life saving mission, not just a policy measure.
The awareness drive signals a broader push by the federal government to improve water transport safety, especially in neglected rural zones where enforcement of marine standards has been weak.
Meanwhile, hearings on maritime law reforms continue, with proceedings adjourned until May 2 as the nation moves to strengthen its inland water transport regulations.
