Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) has received the donation of 3500 lifejackets from the Federal Government through the Ministry for Marine and Blue Economy as part of efforts to ensure passengers’ safety in the state.

Speaking at the donation event, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, said the donation was majorly for communities where water transport was an essential part of daily life.

Oyetola, represented by the Director, Marine Services, Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Mercy Ilori, said the water safety campaign had been conducted in Niger, Bayelsa, Anambra, Akwa Ibom states and will move to other littoral states in the coming weeks.

“The challenge posed by boat crashes and related fatalities across the country remains a grave concern. Many of these tragedies are preventable and often arise from neglect of basic safety measures, particularly the use of lifejackets. Our commitment is to end the avoidable loss of lives on Nigeria’s waters,” he said.

Accepting the donation, the Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, said: “I am thrilled that we have this initiative by the marine and blue economy. This will not only boost safety but ensure we reach communities in Lagos State. This will enhance safety culture and give people the assurance to use the waterways.”

Earlier, the General Manager, Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) Oluwadamilola Emmanuel, said: “We appreciate the Federal Government for its continuous effort in ensuring safer waterways which is a small part of the Marine and Blue Economy.

“1,000 life jackets are here now, 2,500 are on their way. Between now and end of the first week in June, all those who should get the life jackets will get it.

“We do not want people to receive life jackets and keep at home, it should be used and seen on our waterways,” he said.