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Former Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Mr. Bola Oyebamiji, has disclosed that the Federal Government approved about N14.6 billion for the procurement of modern boats targeted mainly at strengthening inland water transport operations in northern riverine states where boat mishaps have become a major burden.
Oyebamiji said the investment is focused on states such as Niger, Kwara and Kebbi, where inland waterways are heavily used to move large volumes of agricultural produce and hundreds of passengers daily, but operators still rely largely on substandard wooden boats.
He noted that the intervention would strengthen safety and trade in the North, while coastal states such as Lagos, Rivers (Port Harcourt) and Delta are expected to drive their own investments in modern vessels, either directly or through Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs).
Oyebamiji made this known in Osun State on Thursday while receiving a delegation of the Coalition of Maritime Journalists, who presented him with a letter of nomination as the “Most Friendly Maritime CEO.”
He said inland water transport in many hinterland communities had long been constrained by obsolete craft and unsafe practices, resulting in frequent and avoidable accidents.
“I submitted a proposal to the Federal Government through the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy and about N14.6 billion was approved for standard boats and ferries to move agricultural products and passengers safely,” he said.
According to him, the vessels expected to be delivered in about 6 months, will also be deployed to other riverine states including Benue and Kogi, where waterways remain critical for local transportation and commercial activities.
Meanwhile, he added that while wooden boats account for about 20 to 25 percent of challenges on inland waters, human factors contribute nearly 70 percent of accidents, stressing the need for training, supervision and discipline.
“Safety is not just about vessels, it is also about behaviour. With better boats, training and sensitisation, we can change that culture,” he said.
Reflecting on NIWA’s reforms, Oyebamiji said the agency was previously known mainly for boat mishaps until his administration prioritised staff welfare and stakeholder engagement.
“Without employing new staff, the same workforce achieved about 75 to 80 percent improvement,” he stated.
Now the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Osun State, Oyebamiji urged continued support from the maritime media, saying transparency and accountability would guide his political ambition.
Earlier, Chairman of the Coalition of Maritime Journalists, Mr. Frank Meke, commended Oyebamiji for his accessibility and support for journalists, saying his openness strengthened maritime reporting.
“This nomination is our way of appreciating your people-centred leadership,” Meke said.
Oyebamiji described the recognition as a symbol of cooperation between regulators and the media, adding that the N14.6bn boat investment remains one of the most strategic interventions for improving safety, productivity and confidence on Nigeria’s inland waterways.
