EX-NIWA MD OYEBAMIJI WINS MEDIA-FRIENDLY CEO AWARD AS OYETOLA HAILS SAFETY, REVENUE REFORMS
By Aishat Momoh
The immediate past Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji (AMBO), has been honoured with the “Most Media Friendly Maritime CEO” Award, with the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, commending sweeping safety, revenue and regulatory reforms achieved under his leadership.
The award, organised by the Coalition of Maritime Journalists of Nigeria, was presented in Abuja on Tuesday in recognition of Oyebamiji’s transparency, accessibility and partnership with the media, as well as his broader contributions to the development of Nigeria’s inland waterways.
Speaking at the investiture ceremony, Oyetola described Oyebamiji as a consummate public servant whose tenure repositioned NIWA within Nigeria’s marine and blue economy through innovation, institutional strengthening and stakeholder engagement.
He also lauded the Coalition of Maritime Journalists for promoting accountability and professionalism in the maritime sector, stressing that specialised maritime journalism plays a critical role in shaping public understanding, strengthening governance and encouraging stakeholder participation.
“By recognising leaders who uphold openness and constructive engagement with the media, you reinforce values that enhance transparency and institutional credibility,” the minister said.
Reviewing NIWA’s performance under Oyebamiji, Oyetola highlighted significant revenue growth, improved operational efficiency, enhanced stakeholder collaboration and stronger regulatory oversight, which he said strengthened the Authority’s financial sustainability and service delivery across Nigeria’s inland waterways.
A key milestone, according to the minister, was the development and implementation of the first Inland Waterways Safety Code in 35 years. The code established operational standards, compliance frameworks and safety protocols aimed at improving navigation safety nationwide.
“One of the most enduring legacies of Asiwaju Oyebamiji’s tenure was the Inland Waterways Safety Code, a landmark achievement that modernised regulation and improved safety across the nation’s waterways,” Oyetola stated.
He added that NIWA reinforced enforcement mechanisms, improved monitoring of waterway operations and strengthened collaboration with security agencies, contributing to safer operations and increased public confidence in inland water transport.
Oyetola further acknowledged Oyebamiji’s role as Chairman of the Special Committee on the Prevention of Boat Mishaps in Nigeria, where he coordinated national efforts to reduce accidents through evidence-based policies, stakeholder sensitisation and enforcement-driven strategies.
In a goodwill message, the Acting Managing Director of NIWA, Alhaji Umar Yusuf Girei, said Oyebamiji transformed the Authority’s work culture and aligned its programmes with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He disclosed that NIWA would also receive the New Telegraph Maritime Agency of the Year 2025 Award, describing it as further validation of the strides made during Oyebamiji’s tenure.
“Beyond policies and infrastructure, the human lives rescued, businesses stabilised and families positively impacted are legacies we are proud to uphold,” Girei said.
Earlier, Chairman of the Coalition of Maritime Journalists, Mr. Frank Meke, said the award recognises maritime leaders who prioritise transparency, media partnership and information-sharing in building sustainable institutions.
Meke noted that Oyebamiji’s accessibility, responsiveness and encouragement of first-hand reporting across NIWA operations distinguished him as a deserving recipient.
In his acceptance speech, Oyebamiji described the award as a product of collective effort during his time in office. He paid tribute to Oyetola, whom he described as a mentor, and thanked NIWA staff for their commitment to the Authority’s vision.
Oyebamiji also commended journalists for reporting from high-risk waterways, saying their work helped raise safety awareness and deepen public understanding of inland waterway operations.
The ceremony was attended by top government officials, maritime stakeholders and industry players, celebrating Oyebamiji’s leadership legacy and collaborative engagement with the media in advancing Nigeria’s marine and blue economy agenda.
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