FG boosts Lagos water safety with donation of 3,500 life jackets to LASWA

….As NIWA vows zero waterways fatalities

In continuation of the federal government’s drive for safer inland waterways, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, on Wednesday presented 3,500 life jackets to the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA).

The donation ceremony which took place at LASWA’s headquarters at the Five Cowries Terminal in Lagos, reinforced the unwavering commitment of the Federal Government to establish safe and efficient water transport systems nationwide, with a special focus on Lagos State, the busiest waterways hub in Nigeria.

The donation to LASWA is part of a broader initiative led by Minister Oyetola, which has so far provided life jackets to six of the12 targeted littoral states, including recent distributions to Niger, Bayelsa, Kwara, Anambra and Akwa Ibom.

Speaking at the event, the minister who was represented by the Director of Maritime Services, Dr. Mercy IlorI said the initiative highlights the crucial importance of safety in the nation’s water transport sector, particularly as the country ramps up efforts to unlock the vast economic potential of the blue economy

He said, ” 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.”

The minister outlined three core pillars of the campaign to include enforcement of the Inland Waterways Transportation Regulations 2023, ongoing public sensitisation on safety, and provision of life-saving equipment, including life jackets.

He further commended Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for transforming water transportation in Lagos, and the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) for its regulatory oversight and public awareness drives.

The Commissioner for Transportation, Lagos State, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, expressed gratitude for the Ministry’s initiative, noting that due to the state’s huge population, it adopts a multi-modal transport system, incorporating rail, road, and water movement.

He noted that the donation would not only boost safety but also help” extend our reach to many private operators who have, over time, faced challenges in obtaining these life jackets.

“I’m so happy today that we have this initiative from the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.

“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,” he stated.

On his part, Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Dr Bola Oyebamiji, reiterated NIWA’s unwavering determination to achieve zero fatalities on Nigaria’s waterways.

He confirmed that six of the 12 targeted states have already benefited from the ongoing life jacket distribution campaign, assuring that the remaining states will receive their allocations within the next one to two weeks.

In his welcome address, General Manager, LASWA, Emmanuel Damilola lauded the federal government’s leadership in pioritizng safety.

He described the initiative as “more than just a distribution but a significant step towards sustainable water transport”

The life jackets donation, he said, will strengthen LASWA’s existing safety initiatives and supports Lagos State’s ongoing campaign to promote the essential use of life jackets among all waterways users.

Highlight of the event was a live demonstration on the proper use of life jackets, complemented by an intensive public sensitization drive on water safety, coordinated by LASWA in collaboration with agencies such as NIWA, the Marine Police, and officials from the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.