FG Supports Lagos Waterways With 3,500 Lifejackets

By Felix Kuyinu

The Federal Government of Nigeria has presented 3,500 free waterways lifejackets to the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) to facilitate safe and efficient water transport systems in the metropolis.

The apex tier of government disclosed that the provision aligns with its commitment to unlock the vast economic potentials of the blue economy especially in areas where water transport holds an essential part of daily lives.

The Federal Government mentioned that the issues posed by water are rarely detected. It stressed that fatality cases in waterways are preventable as they often arise from neglect of basic measures, particularly the use of life jackets.

While presenting the items at the LASWA Headquarters in Five Cowries Terminal, yesterday, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, said that the provision is in line with the government’s commitment to curb oss of lives on the Nigerian waterways.

Oyetola, who was represented by the Director, Maritime Services of the Ministry, Mercy Ilori, said that the life jackets will not only boost safety but also help in extending the nation’s reach to a lot of private operators that have, over time, had challenges in getting these life jackets.

He said, “It is in recognition of this that the marine and blue economy aligned with the renewable agenda of the President of Nigeria to patronize life-saving interventions, to bring about tangible change in the nation’s waterways.”

The state’s Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, said, “What we have is that people do have a phobia of water, but the moment they start seeing intentional moves on the waterways, more life jackets, and better boats on the waterways, we’ll be able to secure the waterways and free our roads from congestion. “