FG Calls For Ban On Wooden Boats To Reduce Waterway Accidents

The Federal Government has renewed its call on state governments to ban the use of wooden boats for
commercial water transportation, urging a transition to safer fibre-reinforced plastic and aluminium
vessels in a bid to curb recurring and avoidable waterway accidents across the country.
The appeal was made by Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, CON, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy in a
statement released on Sunday.

Speaking against the backdrop of recent tragic boat mishaps that have claimed numerous lives on
Nigeria’s inland waterways, Oyetola characterised the continued reliance on rickety wooden boats as a
major driver of fatal accidents.
According to the minister, many wooden vessels are poorly constructed, inadequately maintained and
highly prone to structural failure, especially when overloaded or operated in adverse weather
conditions.
“Wooden boats deteriorate quickly due to constant exposure to water, leading to cracks, leakages and
eventual collapse,” he explained, noting that such vessels lack stability, are easily capsized and often
operate without essential safety features.

Oyetola emphasised that fibre and aluminium boats, by contrast, are more durable, stable and resistant
to corrosion, offering better balance, buoyancy and the ability to be fitted with essential safety
equipment, characteristics that would significantly enhance safety on the nation’s waterways if widely
adopted.
“These modern boats are stronger, more reliable and easier to maintain… and can be fitted with
essential safety equipment,” he said, underscoring the need for broad investment in modern
commercial vessels.

In addition to calling for a prohibition on wooden boats, the minister reiterated long-standing water
safety warnings, including discouraging travel at night when visibility is poor and hazards are heightened
and urging passengers to insist on wearing approved life jackets before boarding any vessel.
“Waterway users must refuse to board rickety or overloaded boats. No journey is worth risking your
life,” Oyetola cautioned.
The government’s focus on waterway safety forms part of broader efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s blue
economy, the sustainable use of coastal and inland waters for economic growth, while protecting lives.
In support of these efforts, the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy disclosed that it had distributed
35,000 life jackets to riverine states in 2025 to enhance safety awareness and emergency preparedness
along key waterways.

However, Oyetola noted that boat accidents continue to occur largely due to the persistent use of
unsafe wooden vessels, pointing to the urgency of implementing the proposed ban and complementary
safety measures.
The renewed appeal builds on earlier government interventions and aligns with ongoing advocacy by
safety stakeholders and maritime experts to modernise water transport infrastructure, reduce

preventable tragedies and ensure that inland waterways, a vital transport network particularly in the
Niger Delta and riverine communities, operate in a regulated, sustainable and safe manner.
Oyetola emphasised that the responsibility for improving waterway safety lies not only with the federal
government but also with state governments and local authorities, urging collective action and political
will at all levels to make commercial water transport safer for Nigerians.

By Oyinkansola Shittu.

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