Nigeria’s inland waterways may be set for a safety and trade boost as ₦14.6bn is committed to modern boat procurement

……. Officials say a ₦14.6bn investment in boats will unlock the economic potential of Nigeria’s inland waterways

Former Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Mr. Bola Oyebamiji, has disclosed that the Federal Government approved about ₦14.6 billion for the procurement of modern boats and ferries to strengthen safety, trade and passenger transportation across Nigeria’s inland waterways.

Oyebamiji made this known in Osun State on Thursday while receiving a delegation of a Coalition of Maritime Journalists on a courtesy visit, where he was formally presented with a letter of nomination as the “Most Friendly Maritime CEO.”

He explained that inland water transportation in many hinterland states had been constrained for years by obsolete wooden boats and unsafe operational practices, which often resulted in avoidable mishaps.

“I presented a paper to the Federal Government through the Honourable Minister, and about ₦14.6 billion was approved for the procurement of standard boats and ferries capable of carrying agricultural products and passengers safely on our inland waters,” Oyebamiji said.

According to him, the vessels are targeted at riverine states such as Niger, Benue, Kogi, Kwara and Kebbi, where waterways remain critical transport links for local communities and commercial activities.

He noted that the initiative would reduce reliance on unsafe craft and improve food supply chains by ensuring faster and cheaper movement of farm produce from rural communities to urban markets.

Oyebamiji added that while wooden boats account for about 20 to 25 per cent of challenges on inland waters, human factors contribute nearly 70 per cent of accidents, stressing that safety reforms must combine infrastructure, training and discipline.

“There was a time I organised training and discovered some operators came 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 stated.

Reflecting on NIWA’s transformation, Oyebamiji said the agency was once largely associated 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 objective. Without employing new staff, the same workforce delivered about 75 to 80 per cent improvement,” he said.

Beyond maritime matters, Oyebamiji, now the All Progressives Congress (APC) Governorship Candidate in Osun State, used the forum to seek the continued support of the maritime media as he transitions into politics.

He told the journalists that transparency, accountability and people-focused leadership, which defined his tenure at NIWA, would also guide his political ambition, adding that the media remains central to public enlightenment and governance.

“I believe in engaging the media, listening to criticism and improving. As I move forward, I still count on your professionalism and partnership,” Oyebamiji said.

Earlier, Chairman of the Coalition of Maritime Journalists, Mr. Frank Meke, thanked Oyebamiji for his accessibility, encouragement and welfare support to journalists during his tenure at NIWA.

Meke said Oyebamiji’s openness strengthened maritime reporting and helped project reforms in 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,” Meke said while officially presenting the letter of nomination as “Most Friendly Maritime CEO.”

Receiving the honour, Oyebamiji described the recognition as symbolic of accountability and cooperation between regulators and the media.

He pledged continued support for maritime journalism and inland waterways development, stressing that the ₦14.6bn boat procurement initiative remains one of the most strategic interventions aimed at improving safety, productivity and confidence on Nigeria’s inland waters.