Boat accidents: FG pushes states to replace wooden boats with safer vessels

The Federal Government has again called on state governments to prohibit the use of wooden boats for commercial transportation on waterways, urging them to invest instead in safer fibre-reinforced plastic and aluminium vessels.

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, made the appeal in a statement issued on Sunday by his Special Adviser, Bolaji Akinola, following a spate of boat accidents across the country that have claimed several lives.

Oyetola expressed concern over the recurring tragedies and advised waterway users to strictly adhere to safety guidelines, particularly by avoiding night travel, which he said increases the risk of accidents due to poor visibility.

“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 replace them with safer, modern fibre and aluminium boats,” the statement said.

He also urged passengers to insist on the availability and use of standard life jackets before boarding any boat.

“Passengers must refuse to board rickety or overloaded boats. No journey is worth risking your life. Avoid travelling at night, wear life jackets, and prioritise safety at all times,” the minister said, while sympathising with families who lost loved ones in recent accidents.

Oyetola identified the continued use of unsafe and poorly maintained wooden boats, as well as non-compliance with safety regulations, as major causes of waterway mishaps in Nigeria. He explained that many wooden vessels deteriorate rapidly due to constant exposure to water, making them prone to cracks, leaks and sudden collapse, especially when overloaded.

“Wooden boats lack stability, are easily capsized and often operate without basic safety features or proper regulation, putting passengers at serious risk,” he noted.

The minister said replacing wooden boats with fibre and aluminium alternatives would significantly enhance safety, describing them as stronger, more durable, corrosion-resistant and easier to maintain.

“These modern vessels offer better balance and buoyancy, reduce the risk of structural failure and can be equipped with essential safety devices,” he said.

Reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to improving safety on inland waterways, Oyetola revealed that the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy distributed 35,000 life jackets to riverine states in 2025 as part of its safety interventions.

“Despite these efforts, accidents persist largely due to the continued use of unsafe wooden boats. This is why we are appealing to state governments to complement federal initiatives by investing in modern boats and ensuring the provision of standard life jackets for all passengers,” he said.

Oyetola stressed that achieving safer waterways requires cooperation and political will from all levels of government, adding that water transportation remains a vital component of Nigeria’s blue economy.

“It must, however, be safe, regulated and sustainable. With collective effort, we can end these avoidable tragedies and safeguard the lives of our citizens,” he added.