FG Urged to Ban Wooden Boats, Invest in Safer Water Transport

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has called on state governments nationwide to phase out wooden boats and invest in modern, safer vessels made of fibre-reinforced plastic and aluminium.

Oyetola made the appeal in a statement issued on Sunday by his Special Adviser, Dr Bolaji Akinola, following a series of tragic waterway accidents that have claimed numerous lives in recent months. He extended condolences to the families of victims and urged all waterway users to prioritise personal safety.

“Wooden boats deteriorate quickly, are prone to cracks, leakages, and sudden collapse. They lack stability, are often overloaded, and many operate without safety regulations,” the minister said. “Phasing them out in favour of modern boats will significantly improve safety on our waterways.”

According to the minister, fibre and aluminium boats are more durable, stable, and resistant to corrosion. They can carry essential safety equipment, offer better buoyancy, and are easier to maintain. He warned against night travel on waterways and urged passengers to always wear approved life jackets.

Oyetola also reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to waterway safety, noting interventions such as the distribution of 35,000 life jackets to riverine states in 2025. “Despite these efforts, accidents persist because of unsafe wooden boats. State governments must complement federal initiatives by providing modern vessels and standard safety equipment,” he said.

The minister stressed that ensuring safe waterways requires collective action and political will. “Water transport is vital to our blue economy, but it must be safe, regulated, and sustainable. Together, we can prevent avoidable tragedies and save lives,” he added.

In December, six passengers died and four were rescued following a boat accident along the Nigerdock axis of the Igbologun Water Channel in Lagos.