₦14.6bn Boat Procurement to Transform Nigeria’s Inland Waterways — Oyebamiji
Former Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Bola Oyebamiji, has revealed that the Federal Government has approved ₦14.6 billion for the purchase of modern boats and ferries aimed at boosting safety, trade, and passenger transport across Nigeria’s inland waterways.
Speaking in Osun State during a courtesy visit by the Coalition of Maritime Journalists, where he was honored as the “Most Friendly Maritime CEO”, Oyebamiji explained that the initiative would replace outdated wooden boats that have long posed safety risks and hindered efficient transportation.
“I presented a paper to the Federal Government through the Honourable Minister, and ₦14.6 billion was approved for standard boats and ferries capable of safely carrying agricultural products and passengers,” he said.
He noted that unsafe wooden boats have dominated inland transport, leading to frequent accidents, adding that while these vessels account for 20–25% of safety issues, human factors such as operators working under the influence of alcohol or drugs also contributed to water mishaps. Oyebamiji stressed that reforms must combine modern infrastructure, operator training, and strict supervision to change the culture of unsafe practices.
The new vessels will serve riverine states including Niger, Benue, Kogi, Kwara, and Kebbi, where waterways remain vital for community mobility and commerce.
He stated that faster, safer transport will strengthen food supply chains, ensuring farm produce reaches urban markets more efficiently and at lower cost.
According to him, improved passenger safety is expected to boost confidence in water transport and reduce reliance on unsafe craft.
Reflecting on his tenure, Oyebamiji said NIWA was once synonymous with boat mishaps, but reforms under his leadership—focused on staff welfare, motivation, and stakeholder engagement—delivered a 75–80% performance improvement without hiring new staff.
Now the APC Governorship Candidate in Osun State, Oyebamiji pledged to carry forward the principles of transparency, accountability, and people-focused leadership that defined his NIWA years. He emphasized the role of the media in governance, noting "I believe in engaging the media, listening to criticism, and improving. As I move forward, I still count on your professionalism and partnership.”
Coalition Chairman Frank Meke praised Oyebamiji’s accessibility and support for journalists, describing his openness as a key factor in strengthening maritime reporting. Presenting the award, Meke said the nomination was a way of appreciating his people-centered leadership.
Oyebamiji accepted the honour, calling it a symbol of accountability and cooperation between regulators and the media. He reaffirmed his commitment to supporting maritime journalism and inland waterways development, stressing that the ₦14.6bn boat procurement remains one of the most strategic interventions for safety, productivity, and confidence in Nigeria’s waterways.
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