Minister Oyetola Calls for Ban on Wooden Boats as Nigeria’s Waterway Deaths Hit 92

A reported 92 passengers lost their lives in boat accidents across Nigeria between January and August 2025. This persistent loss of life continues despite ongoing Federal Government efforts to enhance waterway safety.

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has appealed to state governments to phase out wooden boats. He stressed that boat mishaps have persisted largely due to the widespread use of these outdated vessels.

The tragedies occurred across several states, including Rivers, Niger, Sokoto, Kwara, and Zamfara. In January, a capsizing near Bonny Island resulted in three deaths.

A major incident occurred on May 15th on the Niger River in Kwara State. A boat carrying passengers returning from the market capsized during a storm, claiming 27 lives.

Another significant accident took place in July in Niger State. A market-bound passenger boat capsized near Gumu village, with at least 13 people feared dead.

The month of August was particularly deadly. On the 17th, a boat carrying over 50 passengers capsized en route to Goronyo market in Sokoto; 25 passengers were later reported missing.

Just days later, on August 22nd, a canoe with 30 passengers capsized in Sokoto’s Faji community. Six persons were confirmed dead, while three were declared missing.

On August 30th, a boat carrying villagers fleeing insecurity capsized in Zamfara State. Initial reports stated 13 people died and over 20 were missing, though later reports confirmed 16 deaths.

Most recently, the National Inland Waterways Authority confirmed another fatal boat mishap in Sokoto State’s Shagari LGA. In that incident, two persons died and nine survivors were rescued.

Minister Oyetola has called for urgent investment in modern fibre and aluminium boats. He described such investments as both life-saving and economically strategic for the nation’s riverine communities.

“Our ministry has mandated the compulsory use of life jackets, and we have supplied them in thousands to riverine states. But life jackets alone cannot guarantee safety without safe boats,” the minister stated.

Industry stakeholders have also emphasized the need for additional safety measures. The Chairman of the United Waterways Passengers Association, Mr. Gbenga Oluwadiya, urged the government to enforce the use of life jackets.

The President of the Barge Operators Association, Mr. Olubunmi Olumekun, highlighted another critical issue. He spoke on the need to strictly separate passenger boats from cargo boats to avoid the dangerous practice of overloading.