By Tunde Ojudun
The Maritime Workers’ Union of Nigeria (MWUN) has applauded the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Honourable Adegboyega Oyetola (CON), for his decisive action in banning wooden boats from Nigerian waterways. The Union described the move as timely and necessary to curb the incessant accidents that have claimed countless lives annually.
Minister Oyetola, visibly concerned about the rising fatalities, attributed the tragedies to negligence, carelessness, and disregard for safety regulations. Despite repeated warnings from regulatory agencies, many boat operators and passengers continue to flout basic rules such as halting water travel after 6:00 p.m., wearing life jackets, and avoiding overloading.
MWUN President-General, Comrade Bunu, emphasized that water transportation could be the safest, fastest, and most enjoyable means of travel if safety measures were strictly observed. Instead, reckless operators and passengers have turned waterways into danger zones, with rickety wooden boats often unfit for service.
Comrade Bunu further urged the federal government to extend its regulatory focus beyond wooden boats to include fibre boats, which are frequently involved in accidents due to excessive speeding. He called for strict enforcement and sanctions against erring boat owners and drivers, stressing that accountability is key to restoring discipline and ensuring safe water transportation.
“This ban is a lesson for boat owners, drivers, and passengers alike. Safety rules are not optional — they are lifesaving,” Comrade Bunu stated.