In efforts to improve water transport safety, the Federal Government has launched a life-saving initiative targeting inland waterways in the country.

In line with the initiative of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, in partnership with the Taraba State Government, hundreds of life jackets were handed over to the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) at its Jalingo Area Office.

The intervention, spearheaded by Minister Adegboyega Oyetola, who was represented by Director of Marine Conservation, Innovation, and Technology, Hussieni Shettima, marked a decisive step in curbing avoidable deaths and accidents on Taraba’s rivers, particularly the Benue, Donga, and Taraba rivers.

“This handover underscores our unwavering commitment to fostering safer inland water travel,” Shettima said, noting that federal and state coordination remains vital for real impact.

With thousands relying daily on the waterways for movement and trade, the government hopes the life jackets will serve as a lifeline, especially in riverine communities where boat mishaps are common and often fatal.

Shettima emphasised that the success of the initiative will depend on public compliance, sustained awareness campaigns, and firm regulatory enforcement. Authorities are expected to scale up community engagement and monitor usage to ensure the jackets are effectively deployed.

Anastasia Ogbonna, Director of Information and Communications, in a statement on Friday, said the move signals a renewed urgency by the government to enforce maritime safety standards, particularly as the Marine and Blue Economy Ministry expands its role in regulating Nigeria’s inland transport network.