The Federal Government has urged State Governments to discontinue the use of wooden boats for commercial water transport, recommending safer alternatives such as aluminium and fibre-reinforced plastic vessels.
The initiative is aimed at curbing the persistent and preventable accidents that continue to claim lives on Nigeria’s waterways.
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, said wooden boats pose a significant safety risk due to their vulnerability to damage, leaks, and capsizing, particularly when overloaded or navigating turbulent waters.
“Wooden boats wear down quickly with constant exposure to water, making them unstable and unsafe for passengers. Many are not equipped with basic safety gear, which greatly increases the risk of accidents,” Oyetola said.
He added that modern vessels offer greater durability, stability, and resistance to wear, and can be fitted with life-saving equipment.
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The minister also advised passengers to always wear approved life jackets and avoid travelling at night, emphasizing that no journey is worth risking one’s life.
Officials noted that states with major rivers and lakes including Lagos, Rivers, Bayelsa, and Delt have recorded a high number of waterway accidents, often linked to overcrowding, poorly maintained vessels, and weak enforcement of safety standards.
Authorities described the proposed ban on wooden boats as a critical step toward modernising Nigeria’s inland water transport system, aligning it with international safety standards, and preventing further loss of lives.