Lifejacket Donation: ATBOWATON President urges government to intensify regulatory efforts

The National President of the Association of Tourist Boat Operators and Water Transporters of Nigeria (ATBOWATON), Alhaji Tarzan Balogun, has called for intensified regulatory efforts to prioritize safety and infrastructural development on Nigerian waterways.

Alhaji Tarzan Balogun made this call during when the Federal Government, through the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), donated 3500 life-jackets to Ogun State Government for waterways operators in the state on Tuesday, July 8, 2025.

Alhaji Balogun commended the government for its efforts in promoting safety across the country’s inland waterways, even as he assured that the life jackets would be used judiciously.

“There must be a firm policy — no life jacket, no entry. I’ve witnessed several cases where passengers refuse to wear them. That should not be allowed. Safety must come first,” he said.

Balogun also praised the federal government, particularly President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, for their commitment to maritime safety and for recognizing the importance of life-saving gear in water transport.

“If you’re drunk or perceived to be a threat to others onboard, operators must have the authority to refuse you entry. There is also the problem of bringing animals onboard, especially dogs who can scare passengers onboard and make boats capsize,” he stated.

Balogun also called on the Ogun State Government to emulate Lagos by setting up a dedicated waterways authority and constructing jetties in collaboration with local boat operators.