The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has urged state governments across the federation to invest in safer, modern fibre and aluminium boats to reduce waterway accidents.

This is even as Oyetola renewed his call for an urgent ban on the use of wooden boats for commercial water transportation. This was contained in a statement issued on Sunday by the Special Adviser to the Minister, Dr Bolaji Akinola.

According to the statement, Oyetola made the call against the backdrop of recent tragic boat accidents that claimed several lives and left many families in mourning. He expressed deep sympathy with the victims of the mishaps and extended heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased.

The minister also charged waterway users to take personal responsibility for their safety by adhering strictly to basic safety measures. Oyetola stressed that phasing out wooden boats “in favour of fibre-reinforced plastic and aluminium boats would significantly improve safety on the waterways.”

“Fibre and aluminium boats are more durable, stable, and resistant to corrosion, making them better suited for commercial operations. These modern boats are stronger, more reliable, and easier to maintain. They offer better balance and buoyancy, reduce the risk of sudden breakage, and can be fitted with essential safety equipment,” Oyetola stated.

He warned against night travel, which often comes with poor visibility and higher risks, and urged passengers to insist on wearing approved life jackets at all times.

The former Osun State Governor reiterated that waterway users must refuse to board rickety or overloaded boats, adding that no journey is worth risking lives.

“Avoid night travel, wear life jackets and prioritise safety above all else,” Oyetola stated. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the families who lost their loved ones. These recurring tragedies are painful and unacceptable, and they underscore the urgent need to address the root causes of waterway accidents in the country,” he said.

According to the minister, the continued reliance on rickety boats in many riverine states and non-adherence to safety standards remain the major contributors to accidents on Nigeria’s inland waterways.

He noted that many of these boats are poorly constructed, inadequately maintained, and prone to structural failure, especially when overloaded or exposed to harsh weather conditions.

“Wooden boats deteriorate quickly due to constant exposure to water, leading to cracks, leakages, and eventual collapse. They lack stability, are easily capsized, and often have no safety features. In many cases, they are operated without proper regulation or adherence to safety standards, putting passengers’ lives at serious risk,” he stated.

Reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to waterway safety, Oyetola disclosed that the ministry has continued to roll out interventions aimed at reducing accidents. He cited the distribution of 35,000 life jackets by the ministry to riverine states in 2025 as part of efforts to enhance safety consciousness and preparedness.

“Despite these interventions, we are still witnessing boat mishaps, largely because of the persistent use of unsafe wooden boats. This is why we are appealing to state governments to urgently complement federal efforts by investing in modern, non-wooden boats for commercial operations in their states and provide standard life jackets for all water transport passengers in their domains,” he stressed.

He emphasised that ensuring safety on Nigeria’s waterways requires collective action and political will at all levels of government. “Water transportation is a critical component of our blue economy,” Oyetola said. “But it must be safe, regulated, and sustainable. Together, we can put an end to these avoidable tragedies and protect the lives of our citizens.”

In December, The PUNCH reported that no fewer than six passengers were confirmed dead and four rescued following a boat accident along the Nigerdock axis of the Igbologun Water Channel in Lagos.