By Innocent Orok
In a collaborative efforts to save lives, and prevent boat mishaps in Nigerian Waterways, the Federal government through the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy under its agency , National Inland Waterways Authority ( NIWA) on Wednesday in Lagos State donated a total of 3, 500 life jackets to Lagos State.The Lagos State Waterways Authority ( LASWA ) receives the items on behalf of the State government.
The Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, who was represented by the Director, Maritime Services, Mrs Mercy Ilori who presented the items at the LASWA headquarters in Lagos reiterated the unwavering commitment of the Federal Government to establishing safe and efficient Waterways transportation systems in Nigeria, with a particular focus on Lagos State, the busiest waterways hub in Nigeria.
In his address, the Minister, explained that the initiative highlights the crucial importance of safety in Nigeria’s waterways transportation sector, particularly as the nation ramps up efforts to unlock the vast economic potential of the blue economy.
The Minister said, “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 are quite appreciable. Thank you once again for having us around.
“Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, the distribution of life jackets in Lagos State is a timely and important initiative to foster a culture of safety on our waterways, particularly in communities where water transport is an essential part of daily life. This campaign has been conducted in Niger State, Bayelsa, Anambra, and Akwa Ibom.
“And so today we are here, and we will move to other littoral states in the coming weeks. The challenges posed by water are significant and often undetected, as fatalities across the country remain a grave concern to the government. Many of these mishaps are preventable and often arise from the neglect of basic safety measures, particularly the use of life jackets.
“It is in recognition of this that the Marine and Blue Economy Ministry aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President of Nigeria, to support life-saving interventions and bring about tangible change in the nation’s waterways. Our commitment is to end the avoidable loss of lives on Nigerian waterways.”
Speaking on behalf of the Lagos State Government, the Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, explained that due to the state’s huge population, it adopts a multi-modal transport system, incorporating rail, road, and water movement.
“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, but it will also help extend our reach to many private operators who have, overtime, faced challenges in obtaining these life jackets.
“One thing that I can assure you is that it’s also going to give people reassurance. What we have noticed is that some people have a phobia of water, but the moment they start seeing intentional moves on the waterways, more life jackets, better boats on the waterways—we will be able to secure the waterways and free our roads from congestion,” the Lagos Commissioner for Transportation stated.
Giving his vote of thanks, the Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Bola Oyebamiji thank the Lagos State government and management of LASWA for partnering with NIWA for a safer Waterways in Lagos State . He promised to make sure boat mishaps on our waterways will become a thing of the past. He called on all Nigerians to corporate with the government for a safer Waterways transportation in Nigeria.
Also speaking, the LASWA, General Manager, Mr Damilola Emmanuel who was the host thank the NIWA and Federal government for the kind gesture and promised that the life jackets will be properly distributed .
The Lagos Area Manager of NIWA, Engr. Sarat Braimah also promised to make sure Lagos waters is safe for all passengers using Lagos waterways.
The life jacket donation has further strengthens LASWA’s existing safety initiatives and supports Lagos State’s ongoing campaign to promote the essential use of life jackets among all waterways users.
The event which attracted boat operators, owners, passengers and other stakeholders also featured a live demonstration on the proper use of life jackets, with the safety slogan ” No Life Jacket, No Entry”.
