AJOKE PHILIPS
In a bid to curb the rising incidence of boat mishaps on Nigeria’s inland waterways, the Federal Government has approved about N14.6 billion for the procurement of modern boats and ferries to enhance safety, trade and passenger transportation nationwide.
The approval was disclosed by a former Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji, on Thursday in Osun State while receiving a delegation of the Coalition of Maritime Journalists during a courtesy visit. The occasion also featured the formal presentation of his nomination as “Most Friendly Maritime CEO.”
Oyebamiji, who is also the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate for the 2026 Osun off-cycle election, said investigations showed that wooden boats account for between 20 and 25 per cent of inland waterway accidents, while human factors contribute nearly 70 per cent, stressing that sustainable safety reforms must combine infrastructure, training and discipline.
He explained that the modern boats and ferries would be deployed primarily to riverine states such as Niger, Benue, Kogi, Kwara and Kebbi, where inland waterways serve as vital transport routes for local communities and commercial activities.
According to him, inland water transportation in many hinterland states has for years been hampered by obsolete wooden boats and unsafe operating practices, often resulting in avoidable accidents.
“I presented a paper to the Federal Government through the Honourable Minister, and about N14.6 billion was approved for the procurement of standard boats and ferries capable of conveying agricultural produce and passengers safely on our inland waters,” Oyebamiji said.
He noted that the initiative would significantly reduce dependence on unsafe vessels while improving food supply chains by enabling faster and cheaper movement of farm produce from rural areas to urban markets.
Highlighting the role of human behaviour in waterway accidents, Oyebamiji recalled that safety training sessions once revealed operators working 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,” he said.
Reflecting on reforms at NIWA during his tenure, Oyebamiji said the agency was previously associated mainly with boat mishaps until his administration prioritised staff welfare, motivation and stakeholder engagement.
“When I came into NIWA, we listened to the workers and engaged journalists as part of management by objectives. Without employing new staff, the same workforce delivered about 75 to 80 per cent improvement,” he stated.
Beyond maritime matters, Oyebamiji used the forum to seek continued support from the maritime media as he transitions into politics, assuring that the principles of transparency, accountability and people-focused leadership that guided his tenure at NIWA would define his political ambition.
“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, Chairman of the Coalition of Maritime Journalists, Mr. Frank Meke, commended Oyebamiji for his accessibility, encouragement and welfare support to journalists while he led NIWA.
Meke said his openness strengthened maritime reporting and helped project reforms within the inland waterways sector.
“Your support and concern for the welfare of maritime journalists strengthened our work and the industry. This nomination is our way of appreciating your people-centred leadership,” he said while presenting the letter of nomination.
In his response, Oyebamiji described the recognition as a symbol of accountability and cooperation between regulators and the media, pledging continued support for maritime journalism and inland waterways development.
He stressed that the ₦14.6 billion boat procurement initiative remains one of the most strategic interventions aimed at improving safety, productivity and public confidence on Nigeria’s inland waterways.