Marine minister pushes end to wooden boats on Nigeria’s waterways

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has renewed his call on state governments to ban the use of wooden boats for commercial transportation on Nigeria’s waterways and replace them with safer fibre and aluminium vessels.

The call was contained in a statement issued on Sunday and signed by the minister’s Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Bolaji Akinola, following a series of recent boat accidents that claimed several lives across riverine communities.

Oyetola urged state governments to act urgently, describing the continued reliance on wooden boats as a major contributor to recurring waterway disasters. He also advised water transport users to prioritise safety by complying with established guidelines, warning against night travel due to poor visibility and increased risks.

“The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has renewed his call on state governments across the federation to urgently ban the use of wooden boats for commercial water transportation and instead invest in safer, modern fibre and aluminium boats,” the statement said.

The minister appealed to passengers to insist on the use of standard life jackets before boarding any vessel and to refuse to travel in overloaded or poorly maintained boats.

“No journey is worth risking your life. Avoid night travels, wear life jackets, and prioritise safety above all else,” Oyetola said, while extending condolences to families affected by recent accidents.

“These recurring tragedies are painful and unacceptable, and they highlight the urgent need to address the root causes of waterway accidents in the country.”

Oyetola identified non-compliance with safety regulations and the use of unsafe, poorly maintained wooden boats as key factors behind many inland waterway accidents. He explained that most wooden vessels deteriorate rapidly due to constant exposure to water, making them prone to cracks, leakages and structural failure, especially when overloaded.

“Wooden boats lack stability, are easily capsized and often have no safety features. In many cases, they are operated without proper regulation, placing passengers’ lives at serious risk,” he said.

The minister said replacing wooden boats with fibre-reinforced plastic and aluminium vessels would significantly improve safety, noting that modern boats are stronger, more durable, corrosion-resistant and easier to maintain.

“These boats offer better balance and buoyancy, reduce the risk of sudden breakage and can be fitted with essential safety equipment,” he added.

Reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to safer waterways, Oyetola disclosed that the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy distributed 35,000 life jackets to riverine states in 2025 as part of efforts to reduce accidents.

However, he noted that boat mishaps have continued largely due to the persistent use of unsafe wooden vessels, urging state governments to complement federal efforts by investing in modern boats and ensuring the provision of standard life jackets for passengers.

Oyetola stressed that improving safety on Nigeria’s waterways requires collaboration, enforcement and political will across all levels of government.

“Water transportation is a critical component of our blue economy, but it must be safe, regulated and sustainable. Together, we can end these avoidable tragedies and protect the lives of our citizens,” he said.