The Federal Government has approved N14.6 billion for the procurement of modern standard boats and ferries to strengthen safety, trade and passenger transport across Nigeria’s inland waterways.
Gatekeepers News reports that the approval was disclosed by the former Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Mr Bola Oyebamiji, during a courtesy visit by the Coalition of Maritime Journalists in Osun State.
Oyebamiji said the new vessels are part of a plan to phase out unsafe wooden boats and improve transportation in riverine states, including Niger, Benue, Kogi, Kwara and Kebbi.
“I presented a paper to the Federal Government through the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Adegboyega Oyetola, and about N14.6 billion was approved for the procurement of standard boats and ferries capable of safely carrying agricultural products and passengers on our inland waters,” he said.
He noted that inland water transport in many hinterland communities has long been constrained by obsolete vessels and unsafe practices, often leading to avoidable accidents.
According to Oyebamiji, the procurement will reduce reliance on unsafe craft and improve food supply chains by enabling faster and cheaper movement of farm produce from rural areas to urban markets.
He added that while wooden boats account for about 20 to 25 per cent of challenges on inland waters, human factors are responsible for nearly 70 per cent of accidents.
“There was a time when I organised training and discovered that some operators were 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, Oyebamiji said the agency was previously associated with frequent mishaps until his administration prioritised staff welfare, motivation and stakeholder engagement.
Beyond maritime matters, Oyebamiji, now the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Osun State, sought continued media support as he transitions into politics.
He said transparency, accountability and people-focused leadership, which defined his tenure at NIWA, would also guide his political ambition.
Earlier, Chairman of the Coalition of Maritime Journalists, Mr Frank Meke, praised Oyebamiji for his accessibility and support for journalists.
Meke said his openness strengthened maritime reporting and advanced reforms in the inland waterways sector, adding that the nomination recognises his people-centred leadership.
Receiving the honour, Oyebamiji described the recognition as a symbol of accountability and cooperation between regulators and the media.
