A former Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Mr Bola Oyebamiji, has said the Federal Government’s approval of N14 billion for the procurement of modern boats and ferries will mark a major turning point for safety, trade and passenger movement on Nigeria’s inland waterways.
Oyebamiji disclosed this on Thursday in Osun State while receiving a delegation of journalists led by Mr Frank Meke, who paid him a courtesy visit and presented him with a letter of nomination as the “Most Friendly Maritime CEO.”
In a statement issued on Friday, Oyebamiji said the funding approval followed his proposal to the Federal Government through the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, aimed at addressing longstanding safety challenges associated with inland water transportation.
“I presented a paper to the Federal Government through the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, and about N14.6bn was approved for the procurement of standard boats and ferries capable of carrying agricultural products and passengers safely on our inland waters,” he said.
He explained that for decades, inland water transport in many hinterland states had been hindered by the widespread use of obsolete wooden boats and unsafe operational practices, often leading to preventable accidents.
According to Oyebamiji, the modern vessels are targeted at riverine states including Niger, Benue, Kogi, Kwara and Kebbi, where inland waterways serve as vital transport corridors for local populations and commercial activities.
He noted that the intervention would reduce dependence on unsafe craft while strengthening food supply chains by enabling faster, safer and more affordable transportation of agricultural produce from rural areas to urban centres.
Oyebamiji stressed that vessel upgrades alone would not eliminate accidents on inland waters, pointing to human behaviour as a major risk factor.
“Wooden boats contribute about 20 to 25 per cent of challenges on inland waters, but human factors account for nearly 70 per cent of accidents,” he said.
“There was a time I organised training and discovered some operators came under the influence of alcohol and drugs. Safety is not only about vessels; it is also about behaviour. With better boats, supervision and sensitisation, we can change that culture.”
Reflecting on reforms under his leadership at NIWA, Oyebamiji said the agency was previously known largely for frequent boat mishaps until deliberate efforts were made to improve staff welfare, motivation and stakeholder engagement.
“When I came into NIWA, we listened to the workers and engaged journalists as part of management by objective. Without employing new staff, the same workforce delivered about 75 to 80 per cent improvement,” he said.
Beyond maritime issues, Oyebamiji, now the All Progressives Congress governorship candidate in Osun State, sought continued engagement with the maritime media as he transitions into politics, pledging to uphold transparency and accountability.
“I believe in engaging the media, listening to criticism and improving. As I move forward, I still count on your professionalism and partnership,” he said.
Earlier, Mr Frank Meke commended Oyebamiji for his accessibility and consistent support for journalists during his tenure at NIWA, saying it enhanced maritime reporting and public awareness of reforms in the sector.
“Your support and concern for the media strengthened our work and the industry. This nomination is our way of appreciating your people-centred leadership,” Meke said.
In his response, Oyebamiji described the recognition as a reflection of accountability and cooperation between regulators and the media, reiterating his commitment to advancing maritime development and supporting journalism.
He said the boat procurement initiative remains one of the most strategic interventions to boost safety, productivity and public confidence in Nigeria’s inland waterways.
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