Kwara Begins Strict Waterway Safety Enforcement, Distributes 2,500 Life Jackets to Riverine Communities

The Kwara State Government has reaffirmed that the safety of residents using water transportation is “non-negotiable” as it commences full enforcement of its “no life jacket, no entry” directive across all waterways.

The move follows Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s supervision of the distribution of 2,500 life jackets to five riverine local government areas — Moro, Kaiama, Patigi, Edu and Baruten — at an event held at the Ipata-Jebba Waterfront in Moro LGA.

In a statement issued on Monday, the Press Secretary of the Ministry of Transportation, Alabere Babatunde, said the governor, represented by the Commissioner for Special Duties, John Bello, stressed that safeguarding citizens is central to the state’s socio-economic growth.

He highlighted the economic importance of the state’s rivers for fishing, trade and commerce, stating that both boat operators and passengers must make proper use of the jackets to curb frequent boat mishaps. AbdulRazaq added that the government remains committed to enhancing safety while building a sustainable environment for economic development.

Commissioner for Transportation, Aliyu Sabi, described the distribution as crucial for riverine communities reliant on water transport. He noted that recent boat accidents, particularly in Patigi, had claimed many lives, and said the gesture underscores the governor’s resolve to prevent further tragedies.

Sabi also expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for supporting the state with the life jackets, assuring that the ministry would ensure fair and transparent distribution.

Chairman of the State House Committee on Transport, Lawal Saliu, said the legislature would continue to strengthen regulations guiding water transportation to ensure safety, while ensuring that government interventions reach their intended recipients.

Representing the Moro Local Government Chairman, Maryam Omotayo Wasiu, Council Secretary Nura Muhammed welcomed the intervention, saying it would significantly enhance economic activities for fishermen and farmers in Jebba and neighbouring communities.

A youth leader, Azeez Arisekola, speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, thanked the governor for his support. He acknowledged that earlier donations of fibre speedboats had already helped reduce accidents, and urged collaboration between the state and the Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission for the construction of concrete embankments around the Jebba water region to mitigate recurring floods.

The event also featured practical demonstrations on proper life jacket use, safety sensitisation exercises, and an inspection of the riverbank.

Kwara has recorded several tragic boat accidents in recent years, including a June 2023 incident in Egbu village, Patigi LGA, where a boat carrying over 250 wedding guests capsized on the River Niger, claiming more than 100 lives. The area also witnessed multiple accidents in 2024.