BOAT MISHAPS: Blue Economy Minister, Oyetola Donates 3,500 Life Jackets to Lagos State Government
R-L: Lagos Area Manager of NIWA, Engr Sarat Braimah, Commisioner for Transportation Lagos state, Oluwaseun Oshinyemi, Director of Maritime Services at Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Mrs Mercy Ilori, MD of NIWA, Bola Oyebamiji and the General Manager of LASWA, Damilola Emmanuel at the sensitization and distribution of life jackets in Lagos on Wednesday.
By DAPO OLAWUNI
In order to sufficiently address the recurrence of boat mishaps across the State, and to enhance inland water transportation, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola on Wednesday presented 3,500 life jackets to the Lagos State Government through the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA).
The donation ceremony which took place at LASWA headquarters at the Five Cowries Terminal in Lagos, reinforced the unwavering commitment of the Federal Government to establish safe and efficient water transport systems nationwide, with a special focus on Lagos State, the busiest waterways hub in Nigeria.
In his address, the Minister who was represented by the Director of Maritime Services, Mrs Mercy Ilori explained that the initiative highlights the crucial importance of safety in Nigeria’s water transport sector, particularly as the nation ramp up efforts to unlock the vast economic potential of the blue economy.
According to the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, “It gives me great pleasure to witness this important event, aimed at advancing the national initiative of enhancing safety on Nigeria’s inland waterways. I extend sincere appreciation to the Government of Lagos State led by His Excellency Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, for his effort and zeal in redefining water transportation in the state. It is well noticed and quite commendable.
“I also extend my appreciation to the good people of Lagos State. Indeed, excellence is your workforce and you have demonstrated it again. Your warm reception and hospitality is quite appreciable. Thank you once again for having us around.
“Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, the distribution of life jackets in Lagos State is a current and important initiative to foster a culture of safety on our waterways, particularly in communities where water transport is an essential part of daily lives. This campaign has been conducted in Niger State, we have done that in Bayessa, and Anambra State, and in Akwa Ibom today.
“And so today we are here, and we will move to other litoral states in the coming weeks. The challenge posed by water is high, and rarely detected as fatalities across the country remain a grave concern to the government. So, many of these mishaps are preventable and often arises from neglect of basic safety measures, particularly the use of life jackets.
“It is in recognition of this, that the marine and blue economy aligned with the renewable agenda of the President of Nigeria, to patronize life-saving interventions, to bring about tangible change in the nations waterway. Our commitment is to end the avoidable loss of lives on the Nigerian waterway.”
Speaking on behalf of the Lagos State Government, the Commisioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi explained that due to the huge population of the State, it adopts a multi-modal transport system which leads to movement via rail, road, and water.
“I’m so happy today that we have this initiative from the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.
“It will not only boost safety, it will also help in extending our reach now to a lot of our private operators that have, over time, had challenges in getting these life jackets.
“One thing that I can assure you is that it’s also going to give people re-assurances. What we have is that people do have phobia for water, but the moment they start seeing intentional moves on the waterways, more life jackets, better boats on the waterways, we’ll be able to secure the waterways and free our roads from congestion,” the Lagos Commisioner of Transportation stated.
Managing Director of National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) Bola Oyebamiji reiterated that safety on Nigerian inland waterways cannot be over-emphasized.
He disclosed that the distribution of life jackets by the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy is in response to quest for zero boat accidents on the waterways, even as he assured that soon, the agency would record zero mishaps due to ongoing sensitization efforts.
Oyebamiji said that so far, out of 12 States with riverine communities targeted across the country, six of them have already gotten donation of the jackets.
“I think waterways safety is something that we all take seriously, especially at the National Inland Waterways Authority, and the Supervisory Ministry is working around the clock to make sure that rate of accidents on the waterway is eradicated.
“And let me tell you that we have water marshals that monitor and are forced to advocate to sensitize our people” he said
General Manager of LASWA, Damilola Emmanuel assured that the 3,500 life jackets would be well distributed to boat passengers and operators.
“Between now and end of the first week in June 2025, all those who are supposed to have the life jackets would have them.
What we are doing is that, we would first identify that they operators or passengers, we don’t want people to take the life jackets and go and keep it in their houses, we want to see it put to use on our waterways” he said
The event also showcased a live demonstration on the proper use of life jackets
