Headlines

Oyetola reiterates call for phase- out of wooden boats

– as he mourns victims of Sokoto boat mishaps

Funso Olojo

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has called on State Governments to complement the Federal government efforts on safety and security of lives on the nation’s waterways by investing in fibre, aluminum modern boats that can withstand the rigours of water transport.

Oyetola made the call while commiserating with the victims and families of the recent boat accident in Shagari Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

The Minister described the tragedy as deeply painful and extended heartfelt condolences on behalf of the Federal Government to all those affected.

He expressed sadness over the recurring loss of lives on Nigeria’s waterways, stressing that the fatalities are both painful and avoidable.

The Minister reaffirmed the commitment of the Federal Government to prioritising waterways safety, while appealing to State governments to urgently complement these efforts by investing in modern, non-wooden boats for commercial operations in their states.

Oyetola noted that, despite the Ministry’s recent interventions, including the nationwide distribution of 3,500 life jackets to each riverine State, incidents of boat mishaps have persisted largely due to the widespread use of wooden boats.

According to him, the structural weaknesses of wooden boats make them unsafe for modern commercial operations.

He further explained that wooden boats cannot withstand the scale of haulage they are now subjected to, especially under conditions of overloading, thereby making them even more prone to accidents.

“The time has come for a decisive break from outdated practices. Wooden boats have served their time, but they cannot be the future of water transport in Nigeria.

*The tragic mishaps we continue to witness are a direct consequence of the continued reliance on unsafe vessels.

” We must now chart a safer course for our people,” Oyetola declared.

He emphasised that fibre and aluminium boats, being sturdier, safer, and more durable, represent the global standard for inland and coastal waterway transport.

Oyetola called on State governments, particularly those with large riverine populations, to urgently invest in these modern boats, describing such investments as both life-saving and economically strategic.

“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. I therefore appeal to our State governments to complement the Federal Government’s efforts by deliberately investing in fibre and aluminium boats.

“This is the seed we must sow today to secure a safer, more prosperous tomorrow,” the Minister said.

Oyetola stressed that water transport holds immense promise for easing pressure on Nigeria’s roads, boosting commerce, and unlocking the vast potential of the blue economy.

However, he warned that unless wooden boats and substandard vessels are phased out, the nation risks undermining public confidence in waterways as a safe and reliable mode of transport.

“The blue economy is one of the great frontiers of Nigeria’s growth. For it to thrive, Nigerians must be assured of safety on our waters.

” The Federal Government cannot achieve this alone. It requires partnership and investment from our State governments.

“The safety of our people must be our collective priority,” he said.

The Ministry assured Nigerians that it remains resolute in its commitment to improving waterways safety through stronger regulation, compliance enforcement, and collaboration with States, private investors, and boat manufacturers.

“Every life lost on our waterways is one too many. The time for action is now.

” Together, let us consign wooden boats to history and embrace the standard that guarantees safety, confidence, and prosperity for our riverine communities and the nation at large,” the Minister added.

Headlines

NRC suspends Warri- Itakpe train service over operational concerns

Funso OLOJO, Editor

The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has announced the temporary suspension of Warri–Itakpe Train Service (WITS) due to what the management described as operational exigency and technical advice from the Corporation’s Engineers.

The temporary suspension, according to a public statement by the NRC, has become necessary to enable the Corporation carry out critical operational assessments aimed at ensuring continued safety, reliability, and improved service delivery on the corridor.

“The NRC regrets the inconvenience this development may cause passengers and other stakeholders, and assures the public that efforts are currently ongoing to resolve the issues within the shortest possible time.

“Passengers and intending travelers will be duly informed before the end of the week on the date for the resumption of normal train operations.

“The Corporation remains committed to safe, efficient, and customer-friendly rail services across the country and appreciates the understanding, patience, and continued support of the public during this period” the NRC declared.

Headlines

Sallah: FG slashes train fares by 50 percent on all routes

Gloria Odion, reporter

The Federal government through the Federal Ministry of Transportation has announced a 50 percent fare reduction on all train services operated by the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) as part of measures to ease transportation costs for Nigerians during the Eid-el-Kabir celebration.

The discount takes effect from Tuesday, May 26, 2026 and will run through Monday, June 1, 2026.

Accordingly, ticket fares on all NRC passenger train services across the country have been reduced by 50 percent of the existing approved rates within the stated period.

Passengers who had earlier purchased tickets at the full fare before the announcement will be entitled to a 50 percent rebate, reusable for train rides on or before Monday, June 1st, 2026.

Train schedules and timetables remain as previously advertised.

The Federal Ministry of Transportation said it appreciated the continued support of Nigerians and wishes all passengers and the Muslim faithful a peaceful and joyous Eid-el-Kabir celebration.

Headlines

Salah: NIWA MD threatens to wield big stick on violators of safety guidelines on waterways

— calls for calm over Supreme Court judgement

Funso OLOJO,Editor

The Acting Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Umar Yusuf Girei, has issued a stern warning to boat operators across the country to strictly adhere to waterways safety regulations during the forthcoming Eid-el-Kabir celebrations.

Girei gave the warning during an exclusive interview with journalists at the NIWA headquarters in Lokoja, noting that festive periods often witness increased movement on the inland waterways, particularly within riverine communities.

According to him, compliance with safety measures during the Sallah season remains non-negotiable.

He stressed that overloading of boats would not be tolerated, while the use of life jackets by all passengers and operators remains compulsory.

Girei also warned against night travel, alcohol consumption by operators, and disregard for weather advisories.

“No overload, wearing of life jackets is mandatory, no night travel, no alcohol, and operators must ensure proper weather checks before embarking on any journey,” he stated.

The NIWA Acting MD further disclosed that enforcement teams, in collaboration with relevant security agencies, would be deployed across jetties nationwide to ensure strict compliance with safety regulations.

He warned that violators risk arrest, seizure of vessels, and prosecution.

Girei also urged passengers to avoid boarding overloaded boats, vessels without adequate life jackets, or boats attempting to operate at night.

While extending Eid-el-Kabir greetings to Muslim faithfuls, he appealed to community and religious leaders to help amplify waterways safety awareness during sermons and public gatherings.

Meanwhile, the NIWA boss advised stakeholders and clients of the Authority not to panic over the recent Supreme Court judgment concerning aspects of the NIWA Act.

He explained that the apex court upheld the Authority’s statutory responsibilities relating to inland waterways navigation, safety regulation, channel management, river infrastructure development, and the promotion of inland waterways transportation as contained in Sections 10 and 11 of the NIWA Act.

According to him, Sections 12 and 13 of the Act, which deal with land matters unrelated to maritime activities, were voided by the Supreme Court only to the extent of their inconsistency with the Constitution.

Girei therefore urged all stakeholders to remain calm, law-abiding, and await an official statement from NIWA after the Authority obtains the Certified True Copy of the judgment from the Supreme Court.