The Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy His Excellency Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola CON have disclosed that the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy executed a massive safety intervention by distributing 3500 life jackets across high- density coastal and riverine transit hub in the country.
The Minister made this known in a 26 page three year scorecard of his stewardship presented at the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Abuja.
He said the Ministry complemented by community education on loading limits and safety protocols, this direct action according to him has reduced water craft fatalities, restored public confidence in water transit, and safeguarded riverine commerce.
The Ministry also established an intergovernmental committee to investigate the root causes of boat mishaps. Following a nationwide assessment, the committee submitted a comprehensive report outlining critical policy interventions to eliminate preventable casualties and upgrade Inland Maritime Infrastructures.
Notable among the recommendations submitted by the committee members is the phased replacement of unsafe wooden boats with modern, durable fiber glass vessels to improve stability and fleet resilience. The Ministry is partnering with state Governments to enforce this recommendation, also monitor safety compliance, and build a modern, dependable water transportation network nationwide.
The scorecard highlighted the Minister’s achievements in all the agencies under the Federal Ministry of Blue and Economy.
