……. Officials say a ₦14.6bn funding 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 accredited about ₦14.6 billion for the procurement of recent boats and ferries to strengthen security, commerce and passenger transportation throughout Nigeria’s inland waterways.
Oyebamiji made this identified in Osun State on Thursday whereas receiving a delegation of a Coalition of Maritime Journalists on a courtesy go to, the place he was formally introduced with a letter of nomination because the “Most Friendly Maritime CEO.”
He defined that inland water transportation in lots of hinterland states had been constrained for years by out of date picket boats and unsafe operational practices, which regularly resulted in avoidable mishaps.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 mentioned.
According to him, the vessels are focused at riverine states similar to Niger, Benue, Kogi, Kwara and Kebbi, the place waterways stay crucial transport hyperlinks for native communities and industrial actions.
He famous that the initiative would scale back reliance on unsafe craft and enhance meals provide chains by guaranteeing sooner and cheaper motion of farm produce from rural communities to city markets.
Oyebamiji added that whereas picket boats account for about 20 to 25 per cent of challenges on inland waters, human components contribute almost 70 per cent of accidents, stressing that security reforms should mix infrastructure, coaching and self-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 acknowledged.
Reflecting on NIWA’s transformation, Oyebamiji mentioned the company was as soon as largely related to boat mishaps till his administration prioritised workers 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 mentioned.
Beyond maritime issues, Oyebamiji, now the All Progressives Congress (APC) Governorship Candidate in Osun State, used the discussion board to hunt the continued assist of the maritime media as he transitions into politics.
He advised the journalists that transparency, accountability and people-focused management, which outlined his tenure at NIWA, would additionally information his political ambition, including that the media stays 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 mentioned.
Earlier, Chairman of the Coalition of Maritime Journalists, Mr. Frank Meke, thanked Oyebamiji for his accessibility, encouragement and welfare assist to journalists throughout his tenure at NIWA.
Meke mentioned Oyebamiji’s openness strengthened maritime reporting and helped undertaking reforms within 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 mentioned whereas formally presenting the letter of nomination as “Most Friendly Maritime CEO.”
Receiving the honour, Oyebamiji described the popularity as symbolic of accountability and cooperation between regulators and the media.
