A former Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Mr Bola Oyebamiji, has said that the Federal Government’s approval of over ₦14 billion for the procurement of modern boats and ferries will significantly enhance safety, trade, and passenger transportation across Nigeria’s inland waterways.

Oyebamiji disclosed this on Thursday in Osun State while receiving a group of journalists led by Mr Frank Meke, who paid him a courtesy visit and presented him with a letter nominating him as the “Most Friendly Maritime CEO.”

In a statement issued on Friday, Oyebamiji explained that inland water transportation in many hinterland states has for decades been hampered by the use of obsolete wooden boats and unsafe operating practices, often resulting in avoidable accidents.

“I presented a paper to the Federal Government through the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, and about ₦14.6 billion was approved for the procurement of standard boats and ferries capable of conveying agricultural produce and passengers safely on our inland waters,” he said.

According to him, the vessels are targeted at riverine states such as Niger, Benue, Kogi, Kwara, and Kebbi, where waterways remain vital for mobility, commerce, and community livelihoods.

He noted that the initiative would reduce dependence on unsafe craft and strengthen food supply chains by enabling faster and more affordable movement of farm produce from rural areas to urban markets.

Oyebamiji, however, stressed that infrastructure alone would not eliminate waterway accidents, noting that while wooden boats account for about 20 to 25 per cent of challenges, human factors contribute nearly 70 per cent of incidents.

“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, effective supervision and sustained sensitisation, we can change that culture,” he said.

Reflecting on reforms during his tenure at NIWA, Oyebamiji said the agency was once largely known for boat mishaps before 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.

Now, the All Progressives Congress governorship candidate in Osun State, Oyebamiji, also used the occasion to seek continued support from the maritime media as he transitions into politics.

He said the values of transparency, accountability, and people-centred leadership that defined his tenure at NIWA would equally guide his political ambition, adding that the media remains central to public enlightenment and good governance.

“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, the leader of the delegation, Mr Frank Meke, commended Oyebamiji for his accessibility, encouragement, and welfare support for journalists during his time at NIWA, noting that his openness strengthened maritime reporting and helped project reforms in the inland waterways sector.

“Your support and concern for the media strengthened our work and the industry. This nomination is our way of appreciating your people-centred leadership,” Meke said.

Responding, Oyebamiji described the recognition as symbolic of accountability and cooperation between regulators and the media, pledging continued support for maritime journalism and inland waterways development.

Boat accidents remain a persistent public safety challenge in Nigeria, contributing to hundreds of deaths annually across several states, a situation the former NIWA boss said the new procurement initiative aims to significantly address.