Oyetola moves against frequent boat accidents

• Maritime police underway

Sweeping reform to improve maritime safety and prevent frequent boat accidents with accompanying fatalities are coming, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola has said.

He spoke at the weekend while receiving the report of the Special Committee on the Prevention of Boat Accidents in the country.

The minister reiterated the government’s unwavering commitment to making Nigerian waters safe for all users. He declared that the current spate of boat accidents was unacceptable and preventable.

He added that it must be tackled through a blend of policy enforcement, stakeholder cooperation, and behavioural change.

“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 stated. “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.”

The Minister stressed the urgent need for attitudinal change among water transport users, especially regarding the use of life jackets, describing such safety gear as non-negotiable. He explained that the Federal Government is set to phase out rickety boats, often implicated in fatal accidents, and replace them with safer, standard-compliant alternatives.

In a strong call to action, Oyetola appealed to state governments to align with federal initiatives, 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 also said he recently approved a nationwide distribution of life jackets to riverine and coastal communities as part of a strategic intervention to curb the alarming rate of boat accidents and related fatalities. He urged the beneficiaries to prioritise safety by consistently and correctly using the life jackets whenever they travel on water.

The 16-member Special Committee, inaugurated on 27th February, was charged with conducting a comprehensive review of commercial boat operations, identifying causes of boat accidents, and proposed sustainable solutions.

Committee Chairman and Managing Director/CEO of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Bola Oyebamiji, presented the detailed report to the Minister, outlining its structure and key findings.

According to Oyebamiji, the committee exceeded its initial six-week mandate to ensure a thorough and credible outcome. The report, comprising six chapters, which include detailed analyses of current operations, regulatory gaps, design standards, and institutional capacity. It also proposes a comprehensive plan to enhance safety and oversight.

Among the 64 recommendations reviewed by four technical sub-committees, 17 key proposals were highlighted in the final chapter. These include: establishment of a Coastal Guard to enforce waterway safety regulations; creation of a National Boat Design Policy to standardise permitted vessel types; mandatory certification and formal training for boat operators; increased funding for NIWA to strengthen hydrographic and marine engineering functions; and setting up search and rescue stations at strategic locations across inland waterways.

Oyebamiji expressed gratitude to the Minister for his support and to the committee members for their commitment and sacrifices.

“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,” he added.

The submission of the report marks a pivotal moment in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration’s “Renewed Hope Agenda,” particularly in fostering sustainable and safe blue economy practices.

members of the committee are: 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.