Oyetola urges states to invest in fibre boats to curb waterway accidents

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, has urged state governments to invest in modern fibre-reinforced plastic and aluminium boats which he described as safer, stronger and more durable for commercial water transportation.

Oyetola noted that fibre and aluminium boats offer better balance and buoyancy, resistant to corrosion and easier to maintain compared to wooden boats.

Oyetola made the call in Abuja last week against the backdrop of recent boat mishaps across the country, which claimed several lives and left many families grieving.

The minister, who renewed his call on state governments to ban the use of wooden boats for commercial water transportation, expressed deep sympathy with victims of the accidents and extended condolences to the families of those who lost their lives, describing the incidents as tragic and avoidable.

He said the persistent use of wooden boats, particularly in riverine areas, remained a major contributor to waterway accidents in the country.

According to him, many wooden boats in operation 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,” Oyetola said.

He added that such boats lack stability, are easily capsized and are often operated without proper safety features or adherence to regulatory standards.

He cautioned waterway users to take personal responsibility for their safety by avoiding night travel, which he said posed higher risks due to poor visibility.

He advised passengers to insist on wearing approved life jackets and to refuse boarding overloaded or rickety boats.

“No journey is worth risking your life. Safety must always come first,” the minister said.

Reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to waterway safety, Oyetola disclosed that the ministry distributed 35,000 life jackets to riverine states in 2025 to enhance safety awareness and preparedness.

He, however, said that despite these interventions, boat mishaps continued to occur largely because of the sustained use of unsafe wooden boats.

The minister stressed that improving safety on Nigeria’s waterways required collective action and political will at all levels of government.

He said safe, regulated and sustainable water transportation was critical to the success of the nation’s blue economy and called for urgent action to prevent further loss of lives.