Oyetola Urges Ban on Wooden Boats to Curb Waterway Accidents
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Adegboyega Oyetola, CON, has renewed his call on state governments across the country to urgently prohibit the use of wooden boats for commercial water transportation and to invest in safer, modern fibre-reinforced and aluminium vessels.
The Minister made this appeal in response to recent boat accidents that claimed several lives and plunged many families into mourning. He expressed deep sympathy with the victims and extended heartfelt condolences to the families of those who lost their lives.
Dr Oyetola also urged waterway users to take personal responsibility for their safety by strictly observing basic safety measures.
He cautioned against night travel due to poor visibility and heightened risks, and advised passengers to always insist on wearing approved life jackets.
“Waterway users must refuse to board rickety or overloaded boats,” the Minister warned. “No journey is worth risking your life. Avoid night travel, wear life jackets, and always prioritise safety.”
He described the recurring boat mishaps as painful and unacceptable, noting that they highlight the urgent need to tackle the root causes of waterway accidents in Nigeria.
According to the Minister, the continued use of rickety wooden boats in many riverine states, coupled with poor compliance with safety standards, remains a major contributor to accidents on inland waterways. He explained that many wooden boats are poorly constructed, inadequately maintained, and highly vulnerable to structural failure, especially when overloaded or exposed to harsh weather conditions.
“Wooden boats deteriorate rapidly due to constant exposure to water, resulting in cracks, leakages and eventual collapse,” he said. “They lack stability, capsize easily and often have no safety features. In many cases, they are operated without proper regulation, putting passengers’ lives at grave risk.”
Dr Oyetola stressed that replacing wooden boats with fibre-reinforced plastic and aluminium vessels would significantly enhance safety on the waterways. He noted that these modern boats are more durable, stable and resistant to corrosion, making them better suited for commercial water transport.
“These boats are stronger, more reliable and easier to maintain,” he said. “They provide better balance and buoyancy, reduce the risk of sudden breakage and can be equipped with essential safety devices.”
Reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to waterway safety, the Minister disclosed that the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy has continued to implement measures aimed at reducing accidents. He cited the distribution of 35,000 life jackets to riverine states in 2025 as part of efforts to improve safety awareness and preparedness.
“Despite these interventions, boat accidents persist, largely due to the continued use of unsafe wooden boats,” he said. “This is why we are appealing to state governments to complement federal efforts by investing in modern, non-wooden boats for commercial operations and ensuring the provision of standard life jackets for all passengers.”
Dr Oyetola emphasised that improving safety on Nigeria’s waterways requires collective action and strong political will at all levels of government.
“Water transportation is a vital component of our blue economy,” he stated. “However, it must be safe, well-regulated and sustainable. Working together, we can end these avoidable tragedies and safeguard the lives of our citizens.”
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