Harboursandport.com: Lagos, Nigeria - August 1, 2025: In a decisive move to combat the alarming frequency of boat accidents on Nigeria’s waterways, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has vowed far-reaching reforms following the submission of a comprehensive report by the Special Committee on the Prevention of Boat Mishaps.
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| Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola (middle) receiving the report of the Special Committee on the Prevention of Boat Mishaps in Nigeria from the Committee Chairman and Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority, NIWA, Bola Oyebamiji, in Abuja on Friday 1st August 2025. |
Speaking in Abuja on Friday, August 1st, 2025, while receiving the committee’s findings, Oyetola underscored the Federal Government’s firm commitment to safeguarding lives on water.
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| Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola (middle), Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Olufemi Oloruntola (left) and Chairman, Special Committee on the Prevention of Boat Mishaps in Nigeria/Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority, NIWA, Bola Oyebamiji (right) when the Committee submitted its report to the Minister in Abuja on Friday 1st August 2025. |
He described the persistent boat tragedies as unacceptable and preventable, calling for improved policy enforcement, greater stakeholder engagement, and changes in user behaviour.
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| Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola (4th from left); Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr. Olufemi Oloruntola (3rd from left); Chairman, Special Committee on the Prevention of Boat Mishaps in Nigeria/Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority, NIWA, Bola Oyebamiji (4th from right) and others when the Committee submitted its report to the Minister in Abuja on Friday 1st August 2025. |
In a press statement signed by Special Adviser, Madia and Communication, Bolaji Akinola, noted that the Minister said, “The safety of our citizens on water is not just a policy responsibility; it is a moral duty,” Oyetola declared. “This report lays the groundwork for immediate and lasting reforms.”
Key priorities outlined by the Minister include the phasing out of substandard boats and a nationwide distribution of life jackets to riverine and coastal communities. Emphasizing the non-negotiable importance of life jackets, he appealed to passengers to use them properly during transit.
Oyetola also urged state governments and regional authorities to align with federal safety strategies, highlighting the need for collective effort in enforcing standards and saving lives.
The 16-member Special Committee, established on February 27, 2025, conducted an extensive review of commercial boat operations across the country.
Led by Bola Oyebamiji, Managing Director/CEO of the National Inland Waterways Authority, NIWA, the committee produced a six-chapter report, identifying regulatory gaps, vessel design flaws, and institutional shortcomings.
Among 64 total recommendations, 17 standout proposals include:
Establishment of a Coastal Guard to enforce safety regulations
Creation of a National Boat Design Policy
Mandatory training and certification for boat operators
Increased funding for NIWA’s technical capacity
Deployment of search and rescue stations nationwide
Oyebamiji praised the Minister for his support and the committee for its dedication, noting the inclusion of experts from diverse sectors—including academia, law, engineering, and maritime safety.
This milestone aligns with President Bola Tinubu's “Renewed Hope Agenda,” reinforcing sustainable and secure practices in Nigeria’s emerging blue economy sector.
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