….urges states to ban wooden boats
Adegboyega Oyetola, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, has renewed calls on state governments across the federation to urgently ban the use of wooden boats for commercial water transportation and replace them with safer fibre-reinforced plastic and aluminium vessels.
Oyetola made the call in a statement signed by Bolaji Akinola, his Special Adviser on Media and Communications, on Sunday in Abuja, against the backdrop of recurring boat accidents on Nigeria’s inland waterways that have claimed several lives in recent times.
The minister expressed deep sympathy with the victims of the latest boat mishaps and conveyed his condolences to the families of those who lost their lives, describing the incidents as painful and unacceptable.
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“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families who lost their loved ones. These recurring tragedies underscore the urgent need to address the root causes of waterway accidents in the country,” Oyetola said.
He warned that the continued reliance on rickety wooden boats, coupled with poor adherence to safety standards, remains a major contributor to accidents in many riverine states.
According to him, wooden boats are often poorly constructed, inadequately maintained and highly vulnerable to structural failure, especially when overloaded or operated under 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, putting passengers’ lives at serious risk,” the minister explained.
Oyetola stressed that phasing out wooden boats in favour of fibre and aluminium vessels would significantly enhance safety on the waterways. He noted that modern boats are more durable, stable and resistant to corrosion, making them more suitable for commercial water transport.
“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,” he said.
The minister also urged waterway users to take personal responsibility for their safety by adhering strictly to basic safety measures. He cautioned against night travel due to poor visibility and higher risks, and advised passengers to insist on wearing approved life jackets at all times.
“Waterway users must refuse to board rickety or overloaded boats. No journey is worth risking your life. Avoid night travel, wear life jackets and prioritise safety above all else,” he warned.
Reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to improving waterway safety, Oyetola disclosed that the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy distributed 35,000 life jackets to riverine states in 2025 as part of efforts to boost safety awareness and preparedness.
However, he noted that despite these interventions, boat mishaps persist largely due to the continued use of unsafe wooden boats. He therefore appealed to state governments to complement federal efforts by investing in modern boats for commercial operations and ensuring the provision of standard life jackets for passengers.
“Water transportation is a critical component of our blue economy, but it must be safe, regulated and sustainable. Ensuring safety on our waterways requires collective action and political will at all levels of government. Together, we can put an end to these avoidable tragedies and protect the lives of our citizens,” the minister said.
