FG Urges Ban on Wooden Boats to Curb Deadly Waterway Accidents

By Emmanuel Kwada

The Federal Government has intensified calls for state governments to impose an immediate ban on the use of wooden boats for commercial water transportation, advocating a swift transition to more secure fibre-reinforced plastic and aluminium vessels amid a surge in preventable waterway tragedies.

Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, CON, made the appeal in a recent statement, highlighting the inherent dangers posed by wooden boats. He described them as unstable, prone to rapid deterioration, and highly susceptible to capsizing—factors that have contributed to numerous fatal incidents across Nigeria’s inland waterways.

“Despite ongoing interventions, we continue to witness boat mishaps largely due to the persistent use of unsafe wooden boats,” Dr. Oyetola stated. “Phasing out wooden boats in favour of fibre-reinforced plastic and aluminium boats would significantly improve safety on the waterways.”

The minister pointed to recurring accidents, often exacerbated by overloading, night travel under poor visibility, and the operation of rickety, poorly maintained vessels. He warned passengers and operators alike to prioritize safety, insisting that no journey is worth risking lives. Key recommendations include: Strict refusal to board overloaded or substandard boats; Mandatory use of approved life jackets for all passengers ;Avoidance of night voyages whenever possible

To bolster these efforts, the Federal Government distributed 35,000 life jackets to riverine states in 2025 as part of its waterway safety initiative. Dr. Oyetola emphasized that this measure aims to foster a culture of emergency preparedness and compliance with basic regulations.

He called for enhanced collaboration between federal and state authorities, urging states to invest in modern, durable vessels and enforce stricter safety standards within their jurisdictions. “Water transportation remains a critical component of our blue economy, but it must be safe, regulated, and sustainable,” the minister stressed.

The renewed push comes against the backdrop of several high-profile boat accidents in recent years that have claimed dozens of lives, including women and children, and left communities in mourning. Experts and stakeholders agree that upgrading vessel materials and enforcing regulations could drastically reduce such incidents.

State governments are now expected to respond to the federal directive, with many riverine regions relying heavily on water transport for commerce, commuting, and daily livelihoods. The move aligns with broader efforts to harness Nigeria’s blue economy potential while prioritizing human safety.

No immediate timeline for a nationwide enforcement has been set, but the minister’s statement underscores the urgency of collective action to end avoidable losses on Nigeria’s waterways. Further developments are anticipated as states weigh implementation strategies.