FG hands over 1,000 life jackets to Kwara in push for safer inland water travel.
Communities urged to use gear responsibly as more donations and safety measures are underway.
The Federal Government on Friday donated 1,000 life jackets to the Kwara State Government as part of its nationwide effort to promote safe travel across Nigeria’s waterways, especially in communities prone to boat accidents.
The life-saving gear is intended for use in key riverine local government areas of the state, including Patigi, Edu, Baruten, Kaiama, and Moro. These regions, which rely heavily on water transport due to their geographical terrain, have often faced challenges linked to unsafe travel on rivers and streams.
The donation was officially presented in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, by the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy. Representing the Minister, Adegboyega Oyetola, at the event was Dr. Mercy Ilori, Director of Maritime Services. She explained that the 1,000 life jackets were part of a broader initiative designed to make inland water transport safer and more reliable across the country.
Ilori noted that the Federal Government’s intervention is a direct response to the alarming frequency of boat mishaps in Nigeria, many of which are preventable. According to her, one of the major causes of fatalities on waterways is the failure of passengers and operators to wear life jackets.
She stated, “This initiative is a strategic and timely move to reduce the tragic loss of lives often witnessed on our waterways. Too many accidents occur due to poor safety practices, especially the non-use of life jackets. We must make water travel safe for everyone.”
She also disclosed that the federal government would soon deliver an additional 2,500 life jackets to further support water safety efforts in Kwara and other states.
Dr. Ilori outlined the ministry’s three-pronged approach to tackling water transport challenges: enforcing the Inland Waterways Transportation Regulations 2023, ramping up public education and sensitization campaigns, and distributing protective equipment like life jackets to commuters.
On behalf of the Kwara State Government, the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Mamman Jibril, received the items and conveyed the state’s appreciation. Representing Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq at the event, Jibril emphasized that the jackets must be put to proper use by the communities for whom they are intended.
“These jackets are not meant to be stored at home or used for personal purposes,” he said. “They must be worn during every boat journey to ensure the safety of passengers. If used correctly, these jackets will save lives and justify the government’s efforts.”
Jibril also commended the Federal Government and President Bola Tinubu for prioritizing the safety of Nigerians, especially those in underserved riverine regions. He applauded the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy for its commitment to practical solutions that address real-life challenges on Nigeria’s inland waterways.
Also speaking at the event, the state Commissioner for Transportation, Aliyu Kora-Sabi, described the donation as a significant step toward improving waterway safety and a reflection of the Tinubu administration’s commitment to protecting lives.
“Life jackets are not just accessories they are essential tools that often mean the difference between life and death during emergencies,” Kora-Sabi stated. “This gesture from the federal government shows that our leaders are paying attention to the needs of vulnerable communities.”
He assured that the state government would ensure proper distribution and monitoring to make sure the jackets are used effectively in the designated local government areas.
The initiative forms part of a larger national campaign to ensure that water travel in Nigeria is not only efficient but also safe, especially in areas where it serves as the primary means of transportation.
