Ilorin, June 21, 2025 – The Federal Government has expanded its national waterways safety initiative to Kwara State with the distribution of life jackets to boat operators and riverine communities, as part of its sustained efforts to reduce fatalities and promote safe travel across Nigeria’s inland waterways.
The intervention, coordinated by the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), marks a strategic step in ensuring safety compliance among waterway users, especially in states where water transportation is a daily necessity for residents.
Speaking during the flag-off ceremony in Ilorin, officials emphasized that the initiative is aimed at promoting a safety-first culture while addressing the recurring challenges of boat accidents often caused by non-compliance with basic safety regulations.
“This programme is designed to protect lives and promote confidence in water transport as a viable and safe mode of movement,” an official stated. “We are not only distributing life jackets but also educating users on best practices to prevent avoidable tragedies.”
Community leaders, boat drivers, and local transport unions expressed appreciation for the initiative, acknowledging the risks associated with daily navigation of rivers and creeks. Many called for sustained sensitization and enforcement to ensure full compliance with safety measures, especially during the rainy season when water travel intensifies.
The life jackets distributed are part of a broader plan by the Federal Government to upgrade inland water transport infrastructure and strengthen regulatory oversight. Other states are also expected to benefit as the programme is rolled out nationwide.
Residents welcomed the development as timely, citing past incidents of preventable boat mishaps. They urged continuous collaboration between government agencies, local authorities, and marine operators to entrench safety consciousness in all riverine communities.
The expansion of the life jacket distribution campaign to Kwara State signals the Federal Government’s ongoing commitment to saving lives, modernizing transport systems, and promoting safer, more reliable inland navigation across Nigeria.
