Oyetola Calls for Ban on Wooden Boats, Urges States to Adopt Fibre Vessels to Reduce Waterway Accidents

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, CON, has renewed his call on state governments to ban the use of wooden boats for commercial water transportation and invest in safer fibre-reinforced plastic and aluminium vessels.

The call follows recent tragic boat accidents across the country. The Minister expressed condolences to affected families and stressed the urgent need to address the root causes of recurring waterway mishaps, particularly the continued use of unsafe wooden boats and poor adherence to safety standards.

Dr. Oyetola warned waterway users against night travel, overloading and boarding rickety vessels, urging passengers to insist on wearing approved life jackets at all times.

“Wooden boats deteriorate rapidly, lack stability and are highly prone to capsizing,” the Minister said, noting that fibre and aluminium boats are more durable, stable, corrosion-resistant and better suited for commercial operations.

He disclosed that the Ministry distributed 35,000 life jackets to riverine states in 2025 as part of ongoing efforts to improve waterway safety, but stressed that stronger collaboration from states is required.

“Water transportation is vital to our blue economy, but safety must come first,” Oyetola said. “With collective action and political will, these avoidable tragedies can be prevented.”

Signed:
Dr. Bolaji Akinola
Special Adviser to the Honourable Minister
Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy
Bukar Dipcharima House
Federal Capital Territory
Abuja