The Federal Government has urged state governments to phase out wooden boats and adopt fibre and aluminium alternatives to improve safety on the nation’s waterways.
Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, made the appeal while commiserating with families of victims of the recent boat mishap in Shagari, Sokoto State.
He described the tragedy as a consequence of the continued use of unsafe wooden vessels.
“The Federal Government is appealing to state governments to urgently complement its efforts by investing in modern, non-wooden boats for commercial operations in their states,” Oyetola said in a statement.
The minister explained that although the ministry had distributed 3,500 life jackets across all riverine states, accidents have persisted due to the structural weaknesses of wooden boats.
He emphasised that fibre and aluminium boats are sturdier, safer, and more durable, aligning with global standards for inland and coastal transportation.
According to him, investing in safer boats would not only save lives but also boost economic activities in riverine communities.
“Our Ministry has mandated the compulsory use of life jackets, and we have supplied them in thousands to riverine states.”
“But life jackets alone cannot guarantee safety without safe boats,” he said.
“I therefore appeal to state governments to complement the Federal Government’s efforts by deliberately investing in fibre and aluminium boats.”
“This is the seed we must sow today to secure a safer, more prosperous tomorrow.”
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