FG Takes Distribution of Life Jackets to KWARA State to boost Waterways Safety
Oru Leonard
The Federal Government of Nigeria today delivered a consignment of life jackets to Kwara State, expanding its ongoing nationwide initiative to reduce fatalities and enhance safety on Nigeria’s inland waterways.
According to a press release signed by the Director, Information and Public Relations, Anastasia Ogbonna, the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, CON, stated that Kwara State is a crucial beneficiary, recognizing the state’s reliance on water transportation in areas like Patigi, Edu, and Kaiama, where the River Niger and its tributaries are vital for commerce and daily life.
The Minister who was represented the Director, Maritime Services Department, Dr. Mercy Ilori, highlighted that boat accidents, often due to the absence of life jackets, are a recurring tragedy the Ministry is actively combating. The government’s strategy is multifaceted: enforcing the Inland Waterways Transportation Regulations 2023, conducting public safety education, and providing essential equipment like life jackets.
The Minister emphasized that this distribution is a clear demonstration of the Federal Government’s commitment to protecting lives and ensuring no community is left behind.
He urged all operators to enforce the “No Life Jacket, No Entry” policy, making safety a non-negotiable priority.
Speaking on behalf of the Kwara Government the Secretary to the Government, Prof. Mamman Saba Jibril, thanked the Federal Government for its laudable efforts and called on transport unions and operators to ensure the life jackets are properly utilized for their intended purpose.
Cover Photo Caption, (2nd R), The General Manager Procurement, National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Alh. Ibrahim Sade, (4th R), Director, Maritime Services Department, Dr. Mercy Ilori, (middle), Secretary, Kwara State Government, Prof. Jibril Maman, (4th l) Commissioner for Transport, Lafia Aliyu Koresabi, (3rd frm l), Commissioner for Communications, Bola Olukoju, (1st frm l) Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Transport, Alhaji Salam Kabir Abdallah.
