NIWA Distributes Life Jackets, Urges Ogun Residents on Safety

The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) distributed life jackets to residents in Ogun State and conducted a safety awareness program on waterway safety. Adeley Ipinmoroti, the NIWA Area Manager in Abeokuta, emphasized the necessity of wearing life jackets to reduce drowning incidents, particularly during the rainy season when water levels rise and accidents are frequent.

He warned against behaviors such as alcohol consumption and overloading boats, which compromise safety. Ipinmoroti stated that compliance with waterway regulations is mandatory, and violators will face penalties.

Owolabi Olamuyiwa, the head of the NIWA Abeokuta Area Office, reiterated the importance of life jackets as a first line of defense against drowning. He also highlighted that anyone operating a vessel under the influence of alcohol would be arrested.

The article noted a tragic incident in October 2025, where 26 people drowned when a boat capsized in Kogi State, underscoring the critical need for safety measures on Nigeria's waterways.