FG Donates 3,500 Life Jackets to Boost Safety on Lagos Waterways
In a decisive move to enhance safety and reduce the incidence of boat mishaps across Nigeria’s waterways, the Federal Government has donated 3,500 life jackets to the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA).
The donation was formally presented at the LASWA headquarters located at the Five Cowries Terminal in Ikoyi, Lagos.
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, represented by the Director of Maritime Services, Mercy Ilori, made the presentation on behalf of the federal government.
The gesture, he said, aligns with the government’s ongoing campaign to ensure safer water transport and protect the lives of Nigerians who depend on waterways for daily transportation and commerce.
“Many of the boat mishaps we experience are avoidable. One of the leading causes of fatalities on our inland waterways is the failure to use life jackets. This intervention is a critical part of a three-pronged strategy to improve waterway safety,” Ilori noted during her remarks.
According to the minister, the strategy includes:
1. Enforcement of the Inland Waterways Transportation Regulations 2023 – ensuring that operators and passengers comply with all safety laws.
2. Public sensitization and education campaigns – designed to increase awareness about water safety.
3. Distribution of safety gear such as life jackets – particularly to vulnerable and underserved communities.
The Lagos donation follows similar initiatives in Niger, Bayelsa, Anambra, and Akwa Ibom States, with more littoral states scheduled to benefit in the coming weeks.
Lagos, being Nigeria’s busiest waterways hub with a high volume of daily passengers, was prioritized for this distribution due to its unique commercial and demographic profile.
The Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, expressed appreciation for the donation and highlighted its significance to local water transport operators.
“This initiative will not only help safeguard lives but will also support many private boat operators who struggle to provide adequate life-saving equipment. It’s a confidence booster for commuters and a step toward making water transport a safer, more appealing option,” he said.
The event featured live demonstrations on proper life jacket usage and a public awareness campaign on water safety, conducted in partnership with agencies including the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Marine Police, and the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.
General Manager of LASWA, Damilola Emmanuel, praised the federal government’s initiative, noting that it aligns with LASWA’s mission to promote safety and sustainability in water transportation.
“This donation enhances our ongoing ‘Wear It’ campaign aimed at ensuring 100% compliance with life jacket use among ferry passengers and operators,” Emmanuel stated.
He added that the partnership between federal and state agencies reflects a shared vision of developing Nigeria’s blue economy and making inland water transport a viable alternative to congested road networks.
The Federal Government reiterated its commitment to continuing investment in safety infrastructure, public education, and regulatory enforcement as it seeks to modernize Nigeria’s maritime sector and protect lives across all forms of transport.
