FG Pushes States to End Use of Wooden Boats

The Federal Government has called on state governments to ban wooden boats used for commercial transport on Nigeria’s waterways, warning that their continued use is costing lives.

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The appeal was made by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, amid rising concerns over frequent boat accidents.
The call comes after several deadly incidents across riverine communities, where poorly maintained boats overturned or collapsed, leaving families in mourning.

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The minister said the trend has become disturbing and preventable.
Oyetola urged states to replace wooden boats with fibre and aluminium vessels, which are stronger and safer for passengers. He explained that wooden boats weaken over time due to constant contact with water and are more likely to fail when overloaded.

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He also advised waterway users to take personal safety seriously by avoiding night travel, refusing to board unsafe boats, and insisting on wearing life jackets before any journey. According to him, safety rules are often ignored, making accidents more likely.
The minister noted that the Federal Government has already shared 35,000 life jackets with riverine states but stressed that real progress depends on joint action. He said safer waterways require commitment from all levels of government to protect lives and support a secure blue economy.