The Kwara State Government has declared the safety of residents using water transport as "non-negotiable" as it begins strict enforcement of the "no life jacket, no entry" policy across all waterways.

This action followed Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq supervising the distribution of 2,500 life jackets to five riverine local government areas (LGAs): Moro, Kaiama, Patigi, Edu, and Baruten. The event was held at the Ipata-Jebba Waterfront in Moro LGA.

A statement issued on Monday by the Press Secretary, Ministry of Transportation, Alabere Babatunde, and made available to The PUNCH, said the Governor, represented by the Commissioner for Special Duties, John Bello, emphasised that the safety of citizens remained central to the state's socio-economic development.

Governor AbdulRazaq was quoted as saying:

"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. The state would continue to prioritise safety while building a sustainable environment for economic growth."

The Commissioner for Transportation, Aliyu Sabi, described the gesture as a lifeline for riverine communities whose livelihoods depended heavily on waterways.

"Recent boat capsizes in the state, especially in Patigi, have resulted in tragic loss of lives. This distribution reflects the governor's commitment to prevent further incidents," he said.

Sabi also appreciated President Bola Tinubu for supporting the state with the life jackets, assuring that the ministry would ensure transparent and accountable distribution.

Chairman of the Kwara State House Committee on Transport, Lawal Saliu, said the legislature would continue to strengthen regulatory mechanisms to ensure safety standards in water transportation while ensuring that government interventions reach intended beneficiaries.

Representing the Moro Local Government Chairman, Maryam Omotayo Wasiu, the Council Secretary, Nura Muhammed, commended the intervention as timely, saying it would boost the economic value chain for fishermen and farmers in Jebba and surrounding communities.

Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, youth leader Azeez Arisekola thanked the governor for his continued support.

He noted that the state's earlier donation of fibre speedboats had already reduced accidents on waterways.

He further called for synergy between the state government and the Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission to construct concrete embankments around the Jebba water region to prevent recurrent flooding.

Key highlights of the event included demonstrations on the proper use of life jackets, safety sensitisation sessions, and an inspection tour of the riverbank.

The PUNCH reported that an accident occurred in the Egbu village area of Patigi LGA in June 2023, when a boat carrying more than 250 wedding guests capsized on the River Niger, resulting in over 100 deaths.

There were also multiple boat accidents in the area in 2024.