The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) handed out life jackets to residents of Akomoje Waterside in Ogun State and urged them to follow basic safety rules on the water.
The National Inland Waterways Authority has stepped up efforts to protect lives on Nigeria’s inland waters.
On Tuesday, officials visited Akomoje Waterside in Abeokuta North Local Government Area of Ogun State.
There, they distributed life jackets directly to local boat operators, fishermen, and other residents who rely on the rivers and creeks for daily travel and work.
Area Manager Engr. Adeleye Ipinmoroti led the team.
He spoke plainly to the crowd about the dangers they face every day.
“Many accidents happen because people overload boats, drink before steering, or travel at night when visibility drops,” he said.
He stressed that these simple mistakes often turn minor incidents into tragedies.
NIWA staff demonstrated how to wear the life jackets properly.
They also explained why everyone on board – not just children or non-swimmers – must use them.
The authority has pushed this message hard in recent years.
Nationwide campaigns, including large-scale distributions of tens of thousands of jackets, have already helped cut waterway deaths significantly.
In Ogun State alone, earlier donations reached thousands of operators.
The latest move in Akomoje builds on that work. Locals welcomed the gesture.
Many said they now feel better equipped to handle emergencies, though they called for more regular patrols and stricter enforcement on busy routes.
Boat accidents remain a painful reality across Nigeria’s riverine areas.
Overloading, poor weather, and lack of safety gear claim lives far too often.
NIWA insists that consistent education and ready access to equipment can change the picture.
Communities like Akomoje depend on water transport for everything from market trips to fishing.
By bringing jackets and clear advice straight to their doorstep, NIWA shows a practical commitment to keeping people safe while they go about their daily lives.
