The Federal Government has distributed 43,000 life jackets to riverine communities in Niger State as part of efforts to prevent drowning and enhance safety on inland waterways.
Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, officially launched the distribution on Tuesday at the Niger State Government House in Minna. Representing the Federal Government, Oyetola described the initiative as a proactive measure to reduce waterway-related fatalities and promote a culture of safety in Nigeria’s marine and riverine environments.
The Federal Government is fully committed to ensuring the safety, welfare, and protection of all citizens—especially those in vulnerable communities who rely heavily on waterways for transportation, Oyetola stated.
He emphasized that the distribution was a concrete step in the government’s broader strategy to safeguard lives and foster responsibility in the use of maritime resources.
Representing Governor Mohammed Bago—currently on a working visit to Russia—the Speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly, Abdulmalik Sarkindaji, expressed gratitude for the federal intervention. He assured that the state government would collaborate closely with riverine stakeholders to ensure proper use of the life jackets.
Sarkindaji acknowledged the state’s long-standing struggle with frequent boat accidents, which have led to significant loss of life. However, he noted that the state has taken corrective actions, including refurbishing boats and dredging rivers to improve water transport infrastructure.