The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola (CON), has renewed his call to state governments to urgently ban the use of wooden boats for commercial transportation, citing their high susceptibility to accidents.
Reacting to recent tragic boat mishaps that have claimed lives across the country, Oyetola described the recurring incidents as painful and unacceptable.
He extended his condolences to the bereaved families while emphasizing that the structural fragility of wooden boats is a primary driver of these disasters.
Dr. Oyetola explained that wooden boats deteriorate rapidly due to water exposure, leading to cracks, leakages, and eventual collapse.
He noted that they often lack stability and are operated without proper safety features.
“Replacing wooden boats with fibre-reinforced plastic and aluminium boats would significantly enhance safety,” the Minister stated. “Modern boats are stronger, more reliable, resistant to corrosion, and offer better buoyancy.”
Beyond the ban, the Minister urged passengers to take personal responsibility for their safety.
He warned against night travel due to poor visibility and advised strictly against boarding overloaded or rickety vessels.
“No journey is worth risking your life,” Oyetola warned. “Waterway users must refuse to board unsafe boats and prioritise safety above all else.”
The Minister also disclosed that the Ministry distributed 35,000 life jackets to riverine states in 2025.
He appealed to state governments to complement federal efforts by investing in modern fleets and enforcing safety regulations to protect the nation’s blue economy potential.