The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has called on state governments to ban the use of wooden boats for commercial transportation on waterways.
This was contained in a press statement signed by Oyetola’s Special Adviser, Bolaji Akinola, on Sunday, following a series of recent boat accidents that resulted in multiple casualties.
The statement reads, “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.
“Waterway users must refuse to board rickety or overloaded boats.
“No journey is worth risking your life. Avoid night travels, wear life jackets, and prioritise safety above all else.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families who lost their loved ones.
“These recurring tragedies are painful and unacceptable, and they underscore the urgent need to address the root causes of waterway accidents in the country.”
He explained that many of the vessels currently in use are badly constructed and vulnerable to structural failure, especially when overloaded.
“Wooden boats deteriorate quickly due to constant exposure to water, leading to cracks, leakages and eventual collapse.
“They lack stability, are easily capsized and often have no safety features. In many cases, they are operated without proper regulation or adherence to safety standards, putting passengers’ lives at serious risk,” he said.
He argued that replacing wooden boats with fibre-reinforced plastic and aluminium vessels would significantly improve passenger safety because these materials are stronger, more durable and corrosion-resistant.
“These modern boats are stronger, more reliable and easier to maintain.
“They offer better balance and buoyancy, reduce the risk of sudden breakage and can be fitted with essential safety equipment,” he said.
Reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to safer waterways, Oyetola disclosed that the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy has continued to implement measures aimed at reducing accidents, including the distribution of 35,000 life jackets to riverine states in 2025.
“Despite these interventions, we are still witnessing boat mishaps, largely because of the persistent use of unsafe wooden boats.
“This is why we are appealing to state governments to urgently complement federal efforts by investing in modern, non-wooden boats for commercial operations in their states and provide standard life jackets for all water transport passengers in their domains,” the minister noted.
He added that improving safety on the waterways requires collaboration and political will across all tiers of government.
“Water transportation is a critical component of our blue economy.
“But it must be safe, regulated and sustainable. Together, we can put an end to these avoidable tragedies and protect the lives of our citizens,” Oyetola said.
