The Kwara State Government has announced the full enforcement of its “no life jacket, no entry” policy across all waterways, declaring that the safety of residents who rely on water transport is “non-negotiable.”
This renewed safety mandate follows Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s supervision of the distribution of 2,500 life jackets to five riverine local government areas Moro, Kaiama, Patigi, Edu, and Baruten. The event was held at the Ipata-Jebba Water Front in Moro LGA.
A statement issued on Monday by Alabere Ahmed Babatunde, Press Secretary of the Ministry of Transportation, and made available to The PUNCH, said the governor, represented by the Commissioner for Special Duties, John Bello, reaffirmed that safety remains central to the state’s socio-economic vision.
“Rivers in the state hold vast economic potential for fishing, inter-city trade and commerce. These life jackets must be judiciously used by boat operators and passengers to prevent recurring boat mishaps,” AbdulRazaq was quoted as saying.
He added that the administration would continue to prioritise safety while building a sustainable environment for economic growth.
‘A Lifeline for Riverine Communities’
Commissioner for Transportation, Lafia Aliyu Kora Sabi, described the initiative as a major relief for communities whose livelihoods depend on waterways. He referenced recent deadly boat accidents particularly in Patigi as a reminder of the urgent need for enhanced safety measures.
“This distribution reflects the governor’s commitment to prevent further incidents,” he said.
Kora Sabi also thanked President Bola Tinubu for supporting the state with the life jackets, assuring that the Ministry of Transportation would ensure transparent and equitable distribution.
Lawmakers, Community Leaders Laud Initiative
Chairman of the Kwara State House Committee on Transport, Lawal Ayansola Saliu, said the legislature will continue to strengthen regulatory frameworks to uphold safety standards in water transportation.
Representing the Moro LGA Chairman, Council Secretary Nura Muhammed praised the intervention as timely, saying it would boost the economic activities of fishermen and farmers in Jebba and neighbouring communities.
Community youth leader Azeez Akanbi Arisekola, speaking on behalf of beneficiaries, also expressed appreciation for the state government’s support. He noted that previous donations of fibre speedboats had already helped reduce boat mishaps.
Arisekola further urged increased collaboration between the state government and the Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (HYPERDEC) to construct concrete embankments around the Jebba water region to mitigate recurrent flooding.
Safety Demonstrations and Riverbank Inspection
The event featured practical demonstrations on proper life jacket usage, safety sensitisation for boat operators and passengers, and an inspection tour of the Ipata-Jebba riverbank.
The state government says enforcement of the safety policy will be immediate and strict, with the goal of preventing avoidable tragedies on Kwara’s waterways.
