The federal government has flagged off the distribution of 42,000 life jackets to 12 states to enhance safe water transportation.

Adegboyega Oyetola, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, flagged off the distribution on Tuesday at the commencement of the 2025 Safety and Sensitisation/Enlightenment Campaign in Minna.

The initiative was to promote the use of life jackets to reduce boat mishaps and promote safety on inland waterways across the country.

Mr Oyetola reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to citizens’ safety, welfare, and protection, particularly those within vulnerable communities who depend on waterways.

He attributed the rising incidence of boat mishaps to human error, mechanical failures, adverse weather, and poor safety equipment.

The minister said that 3,500 life jackets would be given to each state.

Mr Oyetola urged state governments, community leaders, boat operators, and the commuting public to support the deployment, utilisation, and strict enforcement of safety gear.

He commended Niger Governor Mohammed Bago for his efforts to improve riverine transportation within the state.

The minister announced the establishment of a special committee on boat mishaps to review incidents, identify systemic deficiencies, and propose measures to eliminate accidents.

Hadiza Kuta, Commissioner for Transport in Niger, noted that the state had stationed water marshals in all 25 local government areas to enforce safety regulations and prevent accidents.

She emphasised the importance of continued collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy to ensure the effectiveness of the safety measures.

In his address, the governor commended the minister for initiating the distribution of life jackets to 12 states, with Niger being the flag-off location.

Mr Bago, represented by Abdulmalik Sarkindaji, speaker of Niger House of Assembly, said the state had experienced numerous boat accidents in the country.

The managing director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Bola Oyebamiji, expressed gratitude to the minister for the life jacket distribution and the Niger government for providing an enabling environment.

(NAN)