Federal Government Calls for Ban on Wooden Boats to Curb Waterway Accïdents

The Federal Government has issued a strong recommendation to State Governments to ban the use of wooden boats for commercial passenger transport, advocating for safer alternatives like fiberglass and aluminum vessels. This initiative aims to address the high frequency of preventable accidents on Nigeria’s waterways.

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, explained that wooden boats are inherently unstable, deteriorate rapidly, and are far more prone to capsizing compared to modern materials. He emphasized that fiber and aluminum boats offer superior durability and safety, making them crucial for protecting lives.

Beyond vessel standards, Minister Oyetola stressed strict adherence to safety regulations, including prohibitions on night travel, overloading, and the mandatory use of life jackets. He highlighted that 35,000 life jackets were distributed to riverine communities in 2025 and called for enhanced collaboration with state governments to improve safety enforcement.

The minister underscored that water transport is a vital part of Nigeria’s Blue Economy, but its growth and safety must go hand-in-hand to ensure sustainable and secure operations.