Oyetola Advocates Elimination of Wooden Vessels over Sokoto Boat Tragedy
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has implored state governments to urgently invest in modern, non-wooden boats for commercial operations within their jurisdictions.
His appeal came while expressing condolences to the victims and families affected by the recent boat tragedy in Shagari Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
He emphasized the necessity for littoral states to phase out wooden boats to prevent further accidents on our waterways.
Describing the incident as profoundly distressing, the minister extended heartfelt sympathies on behalf of the federal government to all those impacted.
He lamented the recurrent loss of lives on Nigeria’s waterways, underscoring that these fatalities are both tragic and preventable.
Reiterating the Federal Government’s commitment to prioritizing waterway safety, he urged state governments to complement these efforts by investing in contemporary, non-wooden boats for commercial use within their territories.
Despite recent initiatives by the ministry, including the nationwide distribution of 3,500 life jackets to each riverine state, the minister noted that incidents of boat mishaps persist, largely due to the prevalent use of wooden boats.
He highlighted the inherent structural frailties of wooden boats, rendering them unsuitable for modern commercial operations.
He further explained that wooden boats are incapable of withstanding the scale of haulage they are now subjected to, particularly under conditions of overloading, thus increasing their susceptibility to accidents.
“The moment has arrived for a decisive departure from outdated practices. Wooden boats have served their purpose, but they cannot represent the future of water transport in Nigeria. The tragic mishaps we continue to witness are a direct result of our ongoing reliance on unsafe vessels. We must now navigate a safer course for our people,” he proclaimed.
He emphasized that fiber and aluminum boats, being more robust, safer, and durable, represent the global standard for inland and coastal waterway transport. He urged state governments, especially those with substantial riverine populations, to urgently invest in these modern vessels, describing such investments as both life-saving and economically strategic.
“Our ministry has mandated the compulsory use of life jackets, distributing them in thousands to riverine states. However, life jackets alone cannot ensure safety without safe boats. I therefore appeal to our state governments to complement the federal government’s efforts by deliberately investing in fiber and aluminum boats. This is the seed we must sow today to secure a safer, more prosperous tomorrow,” the minister stated.
Oyetola highlighted that water transport holds vast potential for alleviating pressure on Nigeria’s roads, boosting commerce, and unlocking the immense potential of the blue economy. However, he cautioned that unless wooden boats and substandard vessels are phased out, the nation risks eroding public confidence in waterways as a safe and reliable mode of transport.
“The blue economy is among Nigeria’s great frontiers for growth. For it to flourish, Nigerians must be assured of safety on our waters. The federal government cannot achieve this alone. Partnership and investment from our state governments are essential. The safety of our people must be our collective priority,” he asserted.
The ministry assured Nigerians of its unwavering commitment to enhancing waterways safety through stricter regulation, compliance enforcement, and collaboration with states, private investors, and boat manufacturers.
“Every life lost on our waterways is one too many. The time for action is now. Together, let us consign wooden boats to history and embrace the standard that ensures safety, confidence, and prosperity for our riverine communities and the nation at large,” the minister concluded.
