The Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, has urged residents of Ogun State, especially those in riverine communities, to prioritise safety by wearing life jackets on waterways.

The National Inland Waterways Authority Area Manager in Abeokuta, Adeleye Ipinmoroti, gave the warning during a sensitisation programme at Akomoje Waterside.

He cautioned against overloading boats, over-speeding, operating vessels under the influence of alcohol, and night travel, noting that many boat accidents are preventable.

The warning follows frequent boat mishaps across Nigeria, including a 2025 incident on the River Niger in Kogi State that claimed 26 lives.