FG Calls For Ban On Wooden Boats To Curb Waterway Accidents

FG Calls for Ban on Wooden Boats to Curb Waterway Accidents

The Federal Government has urged state governments to ban the use of wooden boats for commercial water transportation, citing their role in recurring and avoidable waterway accidents across the country.

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Adegboyega Oyetola, CON, said wooden boats are unstable, deteriorate quickly and are highly prone to capsizing. He called for the adoption of safer alternatives such as fibre-reinforced plastic and aluminium vessels, which he described as more durable and reliable for inland water transport.

Dr Oyetola also stressed the need for strict compliance with water safety regulations, warning operators against night travel, overloading and the use of rickety vessels. He emphasised that wearing life jackets remains critical in preventing fatalities on Nigeria’s waterways.

According to the minister, the Federal Government distributed 35,000 life jackets to riverine states in 2025 as part of efforts to enhance safety. He called for stronger collaboration between federal and state authorities to improve enforcement and reduce accidents, noting that water transportation is a vital component of Nigeria’s blue economy.