A former Managing Director of the National interior Waterways Authority, Mr Bola Oyebamiji, has claimed that the clearance of N14bn by the Federal Government for the procurement of modern boats and ferries will boost safety, trade and passenger transit across Nigeria’s interior waterways.
In a statement on Friday, Oyebamiji announced this in Osun State on Thursday when receiving some journalists led by Frank Meke, who were on a courtesy call and also gave to him a letter of nomination as the “Most Friendly Maritime CEO.”
He clarified that outdated wooden boats and risky operating procedures had long limited inland water transportation in several hinterland states, frequently leading to preventable accidents.
“I submitted a paper to the Federal Government through the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, and approximately N14.6 billion was approved for the purchase of standard boats and ferries that can safely transport passengers and agricultural products on our inland waters,” Oyebamiji stated.
He claims that the ships targeted riverine areas like Niger, Benue, Kogi, Kwara, and Kebbi, where waterways continue to be vital transportation hubs for both local residents and business operations.
He highlighted that the plan would minimize reliance on dangerous craft and improve food supply chains by assuring faster and cheaper movement of farm produce from rural areas to metropolitan markets.
Oyebamiji went on to say that although wooden boats are responsible for 20 to 25 percent of problems on inland lakes, “human factors contribute nearly 70 percent of accidents,” emphasizing the need for safety measures that incorporate infrastructure, discipline, and training.
“I once organized training and found that some operators were under the effects of narcotics and alcohol. Safety is about behavior as much as it is about boats. We can alter that culture with improved boats, oversight, and education,” he said.
Oyebamiji reflected on the evolution of NIWA, saying that prior to his administration’s emphasis on worker welfare, motivation, and stakeholder involvement, the organization was mostly linked to boat accidents.
“When I joined NIWA, we engaged journalists as part of management by objective and listened to the employees. The same workforce produced an improvement of between 75 and 80 percent without hiring new employees, he claimed.
Beyond maritime problems, Oyebamiji, now the All Progressives Congress Governorship Candidate in Osun State, utilized the event to seek the continuing support of the marine media as he transitioned into politics.
He informed the reporters that his political aspirations would be guided by the same principles of accountability, openness, and people-focused leadership that characterized his time at NIWA. He added that the media continues to play a crucial role in public education and governance.
“I think it’s important to interact with the media, pay attention to criticism, and get better. I still rely on your professionalism and cooperation as I go forward,” Oyebamiji stated.
Earlier, the leader of the group, Mr Frank Meke, praised Oyebamiji for his accessibility, encouragement and welfare assistance to journalists during his stay at NIWA.
According to Meke, Oyebamiji’s transparency improved maritime reporting and aided in the implementation of reforms in the inland waterways industry.
“Your support and concern for the media strengthened our work and the industry. We are honoring your people-centered leadership with this nomination, Meke stated.
Oyebamiji, who accepted the honor, explained that it was a sign of responsibility and collaboration between authorities and the media.
He emphasized that the boat procurement project is still one of the most important interventions aimed at enhancing safety, productivity, and confidence in Nigeria’s interior waters, and he promised to continue supporting marine journalism and the development of inland waterways.
In Nigeria’s interior waterways, boat accidents are a recurring public safety concern that impacts numerous states and causes hundreds of fatalities every year.
