In a renewed push to enhance inland waterway safety across Nigeria, the Federal Government has flagged off a life-saving initiative in Taraba State with the official handover of life jackets to the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Jalingo Area Office.
By Chimezie Godfrey
In a renewed push to enhance inland waterway safety across Nigeria, the Federal Government has flagged off a life-saving initiative in Taraba State with the official handover of life jackets to the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Jalingo Area Office.
The effort, spearheaded by the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy in partnership with the Taraba State Government, is part of a broader national campaign to reduce fatalities on the country’s waterways—particularly in states heavily dependent on river transport.
Representing the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, at the handover ceremony, Director of Marine Conservation, Innovation, and Technology, Hussieni Shettima, said the initiative demonstrates the government’s strong commitment to protecting lives.
“This handover underscores our unwavering commitment to fostering safer inland water travel,” Shettima said. “We believe that through consistent collaboration between federal and state agencies, we can drastically reduce avoidable accidents and ensure safety for those who rely on our rivers for livelihood and transportation.”
Thousands of Taraba residents rely daily on the Benue, Donga, and Taraba rivers for movement and commerce. The distribution of life jackets is expected to be a game-changer in reducing the frequency of drownings and other water-related tragedies.
According to Shettima, the long-term impact of the intervention will depend on sustained community engagement, widespread public awareness campaigns, and strict enforcement of water safety regulations. He also encouraged passengers and boat operators to prioritize safety by wearing life jackets at all times.
“Life jackets only work when they are worn,” he noted. “We are counting on local communities to embrace this initiative fully, as it is designed to protect their lives and livelihoods.”
Director of Information and Communications at the Ministry, Anastasia Ogbonna, highlighted that Taraba is the latest in a growing list of states benefiting from the safety campaign. Other states already reached include Niger, Bayelsa, Anambra, Akwa Ibom, Lagos, Delta, and Kwara.
The handover signals a proactive shift in government response to increasing waterway traffic and the need for safety compliance in riverine regions. As this nationwide effort expands, stakeholders are optimistic it will build a new culture of safety on Nigeria’s inland waters—one life jacket at a time.