The Honorable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, His Excellency Adegboyega Oyetola CON, officially flagged-off the distribution of 42,000 life jackets to waterway users across 12 selected riverine states in the country.

The flag-off and awareness campaign was launched at Government House in Minna, Niger State capital in a bid to stop avoidable deaths during boat accidents on the Inland Waterways.

According to the Minister, the initiative is one of the most comprehensive federal responses implemented through the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) to safeguarding the lives of Nigerians plying the waterways.

Oyetola said, the first phase of this strategic safety intervention by the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, each beneficiary states will receive 3,500 life jackets emphasizing that, the life jackets distribution is a proactive, life-saving response to the recurring boat accidents.

“This event transcends mere ceremony; it embodies our unwavering commitment to safeguarding the lives and livelihoods of Nigerians who rely daily on our inland waterways,”.

The Managing Director/CEO of NIWA Bola Oyebamiji FCIB said, NIWA under the strategic guidance of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy represent yet another significant stride in our unwavering commitment to ensure safety, security and awareness across Nigeria’s Inland Waterways.

Also, Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, represented by the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abdulmalik Sarkin-Daji, lauded the Minister for launching the campaign in Niger State.

“The state government is determined to address this issue frontally through strict enforcement and proactiv