NIWA warns Ogun residents to use life jackets and follow safety rules on waterways to prevent dangerous boat accidents and loss of lives

The Area Manager of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) in Abeokuta, Engineer Adeleye Ipinmoroti, on Wednesday warned residents of riverine communities in Ogun State to prioritise safety and wear life jackets while travelling on waterways to prevent avoidable fatalities.

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Engineer Adeleye Ipinmoroti issued the warning during a sensitisation programme and life jacket distribution exercise held at Akomoje Waterside in Abeokuta North Local Government Area, an initiative supported by the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.

The NIWA official cautioned boat operators and passengers against risky behaviours such as alcohol consumption before operating boats, overloading vessels, excessive speed and night travel, noting that these actions frequently contribute to fatal boat accidents.

Engineer Adeleye Ipinmoroti lamented that many lives are lost annually in Nigeria’s waterways due to preventable incidents caused largely by negligence.

The official stressed that wearing life jackets remains the most critical safety measure for waterway users.

“Tragically, many lives are lost each year due to preventable accidents, often because individuals neglect to wear lifejackets. A lifejacket is the first line of defence against drowning. It keeps you afloat, allowing you time to signal for help,” Engineer Adeleye Ipinmoroti said.

The NIWA area manager also emphasised that compliance with waterway safety regulations is mandatory and warned that violators would face penalties under existing maritime laws.

Engineer Adeleye Ipinmoroti urged residents to adopt the safety principle of “One Man, One Lifejacket,” describing personal responsibility as essential to reducing waterway disasters.

Also speaking at the event, the Unit Head of Marine at the NIWA Abeokuta Area Office, Owolabi Olamuyiwa, delivered a lecture highlighting the importance of certified life jackets for river transport.

Owolabi Olamuyiwa explained that life jackets used by boat passengers must meet international standards approved by the Safety of Life at Sea convention.

“It is one of the mandatory safety equipment required on river crafts. Life jackets come in different sizes, and the one to be worn must be approved by the Safety of Life at Sea,” Owolabi Olamuyiwa said.

The marine official added that life jackets significantly increase survival chances during accidents, noting that individuals can remain afloat for days if they remain calm.

Owolabi Olamuyiwa also reiterated that waterway journeys should only take place between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m., warning that night travel violates established safety guidelines.

Boat operators must also avoid overspeeding and overloading vessels, the official said, stressing that anyone operating boats on inland waterways must possess a valid licence issued by NIWA and undergo proper training.

In his goodwill message, the Commander of the Police Unit attached to the NIWA Abeokuta Area Office, Superintendent Oso Opeyemi, urged residents to make effective use of the distributed life jackets rather than leaving them unused at home.

Superintendent Oso Opeyemi warned that entering waterways without a life jacket is a punishable offence and said security agencies and river marshals are actively monitoring water routes for compliance.

The police officer explained that offenders risk prosecution, which may result in a one-year prison sentence or a minimum fine of N10,000.

Boat accidents remain a persistent safety challenge in Nigeria’s inland waterways. In October 2025, about 26 traders drowned after a boat capsized on the River Niger while travelling from Ibaji in Kogi State to Ilushi market in Edo State.

Authorities say many boat mishaps occur because operators ignore safety regulations, particularly the use of life jackets and limits on passenger capacity.

Experts also note that accidents often increase during the rainy season when rivers swell and currents become stronger.

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Despite the risks, boats remain a vital means of transport for many rural communities where road infrastructure is limited, making strict enforcement of waterway safety regulations a crucial step toward preventing further tragedies.