In a significant effort to address recurring boat accidents and modernize the nation’s transportation infrastructure, the Federal Government has approved a N14.6 billion allocation for the procurement of modern boats and ferries.
This initiative aims to replace outdated wooden vessels on Nigeria’s inland waterways with safer, more reliable alternatives.
The announcement was made by the former Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Mr. Bola Oyebamiji, during a meeting with a delegation of the Coalition of Maritime Journalists in Osun State.
The project will focus on riverine states such as Niger, Benue, Kogi, Kwara, and Kebbi, where inland waterways are vital to both local communities and regional trade.Oyebamiji, who facilitated the proposal through the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, explained that the funds would go towards acquiring vessels designed to safely transport both agricultural products and passengers along Nigeria’s extensive river networks.
He expressed concern over the continued use of old, unsafe wooden boats, which have long been a challenge for water transport in many inland states. These vessels, along with poor safety practices, have contributed to numerous avoidable accidents and fatalities.“While deteriorating boats account for 20 to 25 percent of the problems, human factors—including operators under the influence of alcohol or drugs—are responsible for nearly 70 percent of accidents,” Oyebamiji explained.
He emphasized that safety goes beyond just improving vessels; it also involves changing the behavior of operators. “With better boats, proper supervision, and continued education, we can transform the safety culture,” he added.
The former NIWA MD also highlighted that the new boats would not only improve safety but also boost trade by facilitating faster, more affordable transportation of farm produce to urban markets, ultimately strengthening the country’s economic activities along the waterways.
