The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, has commended the immediate past Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Bola Oyebamiji, for implementing initiatives that drove revenue growth, improved operational efficiency, strengthened stakeholder collaboration and enhanced regulatory oversight.

Oyetola said these initiatives collectively strengthened the Authority’s financial sustainability and service delivery across Nigeria’s inland waterways.

The minister stated this when the Coalition of Maritime Journalists of Nigeria honoured the former NIWA boss with the “Most Media Friendly Maritime CEO” Award held in Abuja on Tuesday.

The award also given in ecognition of Oyebamiji’s transparency, accessibility, and partnership with the media, as well as his wider contributions to the development of Nigeria’s inland waterway.

The Minister, who was represented by his Special Adviser to the Minister on Media, Dr. Bolaji Akinola, highlighted key safety, revenue and regulatory reforms achieved under Oyebamiji’s leadership.

Speaking at the investiture ceremony, Oyetola described Oyebamiji as a consummate public servant whose tenure repositioned NIWA within Nigeria’s marine and blue economy through innovation, institutional strengthening, and stakeholder engagement.

He also commended the Coalition of Maritime Journalists for promoting accountability and professionalism in the maritime sector, stressing that specialised maritime journalism remains vital in shaping public understanding, strengthening governance, and encouraging stakeholder participation.

A major milestone highlighted was the development and implementation of the first Inland Waterways Safety Code in 35 years, which established operational standards, compliance frameworks, and safety protocols to enhance navigation safety nationwide.

He added that NIWA also reinforced enforcement mechanisms, improved monitoring of waterway operations, and strengthened collaboration with security agencies.

The Minister said these initiatives have contributed to safer operations and increased public confidence in inland water transport.

Oyetola further acknowledged Oyebamiji’s leadership as Chairman of the Special Committee on the Prevention of Boat Mishaps in Nigeria, where he coordinated national efforts to reduce accidents through evidence-based policies, stakeholder sensitisation, and enforcement-driven strategies.
According to the Minister, Oyebamiji’s leadership style, marked by humility, firmness, inclusiveness, and accountability, made him accessible to both industry players and journalists – qualities that earned him the recognition as the Most Media Friendly Maritime CEO.

“By recognising leaders who uphold openness and constructive engagement with the media, you reinforce values that enhance transparency and institutional credibility,” the Minister said.
In a goodwill message, Acting Managing Director of NIWA, Umar Yusuf Girei, praised Oyebamiji for transforming the Authority’s work culture and aligning its programmes with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Girei said NIWA under Oyebamiji, implemented value-driven programmes and strengthened staff commitment.
“Beyond policies and infrastructure, the human lives rescued, businesses stabilised, and families positively impacted are legacies we are proud to uphold,” he said.

Earlier, Chairman of the Coalition of Maritime Journalists, Mr. Frank Meke, explained that the award celebrates maritime leaders who value transparency, media partnership, and information-sharing in building sustainable institutions.

Meke noted that Oyebamiji’s accessibility, responsiveness, support for journalists’ welfare, and encouragement of first-hand reporting across NIWA operations distinguished him as a deserving recipient.

In his acceptance speech, Oyebamiji thanked the maritime journalists for the recognition, describing the award as the result of collective effort during his tenure.

He also paid tribute to Oyetola, whom he described as mentor and leader, acknowledging his support from their early days at Osun State Investment Company through his roles as Commissioner for Finance, aide at the Federal Ministry, and ultimately NIWA boss.

Oyebamiji lauded journalists for reporting from high-risk waterways, noting that such engagement raised safety awareness and strengthened public understanding of inland waterway operations.
He thanked NIWA staff, particularly Acting MD, for sustaining the Authority’s vision and teamwork, expressing confidence that the foundation laid would continue to benefit Nigeria’s maritime sector