NIWA distributes life jackets, advises Ogun residents on waterway safety

The National Inland Waterways Authority has advised residents of riverine communities in Ogun State to prioritise safety by wearing life jackets while travelling on waterways to prevent needless deaths during accidents.

The Area Manager of NIWA, Abeokuta, Engr. Adeleye Ipinmoroti, gave the advice on Wednesday during a sensitisation programme and distribution of life jackets to residents of Akomoje Waterside in Abeokuta North Local Government Area.

Speaking at the event supported by the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Ipinmoroti cautioned boat operators against alcohol consumption before paddling, overloading, speeding, and night travel, noting that such behaviours compromise safety on the waterways.

He lamented that many lives are lost annually to preventable accidents, often caused by negligence, and described life jackets as the first line of defence against drowning.

“Tragically, many lives are lost each year due to preventable accidents, often because individuals neglect to wear life jackets. A life jacket keeps you afloat, allowing you time to signal for help,” he said.

Ipinmoroti stressed that compliance with waterway regulations is mandatory, and violators would face penalties.

In a lecture on the importance of life jackets, the Unit Head Marine, NIWA Abeokuta, Owolabi Olamuyiwa, said life jackets must be approved by the Safety of Life at Sea standards. He warned against night travel between 6pm and 6am, overspeeding, and overloading.

“Anyone who will operate in the inland waterway must be licensed by NIWA because there are trainings you are expected to acquire,” he added.

The Police Commander, NIWA Abeokuta area office, SP Oso Opeyemi, described going on water without a life jacket as criminal and punishable by one year imprisonment or a fine of N10,000.

The sensitisation comes months after about 26 persons drowned in a boat accident on the River Niger in Kogi State in October 2025. Boat mishaps remain frequent in Nigeria, often linked to overloading and disregard for safety regulations, particularly during rainy seasons when water levels rise.