“Never Again!” — Oyetola Vows Bold Action As Boat Mishap Report Lands

Oyetola Vows Sweeping Maritime Reforms to End Boat Mishaps as Committee Submits Landmark Report

Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, His Excellency Adegboyega Oyetola, CON, has reiterated the Federal Government’s firm commitment to ending the spate of boat mishaps across Nigeria’s waterways.

According to IReporter Online, the Minister made this declaration in Abuja on Friday, August 1, 2025, while receiving the comprehensive report of the Special Committee on the Prevention of Boat Mishaps in Nigeria.

Oyetola, flanked by key officials including the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Olufemi Oloruntola, and the Committee Chairman/Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Mr. Bola Oyebamiji, described the report as a critical milestone toward revolutionising water transport safety in the country.

“The safety of Nigerians on water is not just a policy obligation—it is a moral imperative. Every life lost to a boat mishap is one too many,” the Minister said.

He assured that the government would thoroughly review the committee’s recommendations and implement sweeping reforms in areas requiring new policies, enforcement frameworks, and institutional alignment.

According to IReporter Online, the report—structured into six chapters—outlines key safety gaps in vessel design, regulatory oversight, operator certification, and emergency response systems.

Among its 64 recommendations, 17 were identified as priority actions, including the creation of a Coastal Guard, a National Boat Design Policy, compulsory operator training, and the establishment of strategic search and rescue stations.

The Minister also emphasized the non-negotiable use of life jackets and disclosed that the Federal Government has initiated a nationwide distribution of life-saving gear to coastal and riverine communities.

He urged beneficiaries to wear the equipment correctly and consistently, stressing that behavioral change is essential to reducing casualties on water.

Calling on state governments to work closely with federal authorities, Oyetola noted that tackling boat mishaps requires shared responsibility across all levels of governance.

“The Federal Government cannot do this alone. State and local authorities must align with national safety standards to protect lives,” he stated.

The 16-member committee, inaugurated on February 27, 2025, brought together experts in maritime safety, engineering, law, academia, and policy.

Chairman Bola Oyebamiji noted that the group exceeded its original six-week timeline to ensure depth and credibility in its findings.

“We employed both in-person and virtual strategies, and formed four sub-committees to ensure we delivered a technically sound and actionable report,” Oyebamiji explained.

According to IReporter Online, the report’s submission represents a major leap in the actualization of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly in fostering a safe and sustainable blue economy.

”IREPORTER REPORTS”