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He clarified that dangerous operating procedures and outdated wooden boats had long limited inland water transportation in many hinterland areas, frequently leading to preventable accidents.
“After presenting a paper to the Federal Government through the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, 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 were aimed at riverine areas like Niger, Benue, Kogi, Kwara, and Kebbi, where waterways continue to be vital means of transportation for both commercial and local people.
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.
While wooden boats make about 20 to 25 percent of problems on inland lakes, Oyebamiji continued, “human factors contribute nearly 70 percent of accidents,” emphasizing that infrastructure, discipline, and training must all be included in safety changes.
“I once organized training and found that some operators were under the influence of drugs and alcohol.” Behavior is just as important to safety as vessels. “We can change that culture with better boats, supervision, and sensitization,” he said.
When considering NIWA’s transition, Oyebamiji noted that prior to his administration’s emphasis on worker welfare, motivation, and stakeholder involvement, the organization was mostly linked to boat accidents.
“As part of management by objective, we engaged journalists and listened to the workers when I joined NIWA.” The same workforce produced an improvement of roughly 75 to 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 told 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 is still essential to public education and governance.
“I think it’s important to interact with the media, listen to criticism, and get better. I still rely on your cooperation and professionalism as I go,” 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 marine reporting and aided in the implementation of inland waterways sector reforms.
“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 award, explained that it was a sign of responsibility and collaboration between authorities and the media.
He emphasized that the boat procurement project continues to be one of the most strategic interventions aimed at enhancing safety, productivity, and confidence in Nigeria’s inland 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 affects numerous states and causes hundreds of deaths each year.
