The Federal Government has approved N14.6 billion for the procurement of modern standard boats and ferries as part of efforts to phase out wooden boats and to strengthen safety, trade and passenger transport across the inland waterways.

Former Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Mr. Bola Oyebamiji, disclosed this in Osun State while receiving a delegation of the Coalition of Maritime Journalists on a courtesy visit, who also presented a formal letter of his nomination as the “Most Friendly Maritime Chief Executive Officer”.

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

“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,” Oyebamiji said.

He, however, acknowledged that inland water transport in many hinterland states had been constrained for years by obsolete wooden boats and unsafe operational practices, often resulting in avoidable mishaps.

Oyebamiji stated that the procurement funds would reduce reliance on unsafe craft and improve food supply chains by enabling faster, cheaper movement of farm produce from rural communities to urban markets.

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

“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 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.

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

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

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

Meke said Oyebamiji’s openness strengthened maritime reporting and helped advance reforms in the inland waterways sector.

He said the nomination recognises Oyebamiji’s people-centred leadership.

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