NIWA in 2024: The Oyebamiji Effect

By Richard Akintade, Osogbo

On assumption of office of Mr Bola Oyebamiji as the Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), one thing was made clear, the genuine intention to move the agency forward, enhance safety and block leakages.

The Managing Director made it clear that Nigeria’s waterways must be made safe and, at the same time, generate the expected revenue for government.

Members of staff at the NIWA headquarters and the area offices immediately got the clear message that the new sherif in town has come with a clear vision to turn things around for good for both staff and users of the waterways.

The Managing Director of NIWA began the busy year in January by organizing a two-day special retreat/ workshop held in Lokoja, Kogi State for its staff where he charged them to be productive in a bid to achieve President Tinubu’s vision for the inland waterways.

In February, just after the retreat, the NIWA MD commenced a familiarization and Inspection tour of NIWA facilities starting with the inland port at Jamata, Lokoja where he promised to build on the progress already made at the project site.

In continuation of his tour, he visited the Dockyard within the Lokoja Area office to inspect facilities, and pledged to address staff shortages and vessel maintenance, as he urged the members of staff to meet revenue targets for improved welfare.

The MD ended February tour with an interactive meeting with all members of staff at NIWA headquarters in Lokoja where he assured them of his full commitment to their welfare, training as well as provision of necessary tools to enhance their performance in a bid to achieve better results.

In continuation of the tour of NIWA facilities across the country, the NIWA Managing Director, Bola Oyebamiji visited the Onitsha River port complex and Area office, Anambra where he inspected NIWA facilities in the office, he also visited the Warri Area Office for familiarization and facility inspection and met with members of staff.

In June 2024, the Authority under Oyebamiji hosted the Minister For Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Adegboyega Oyetola, CON, to the commissioning of several projects and the launching of the Water Transportation Code as part of efforts to curb repeated cases of boat Mishaps across the country.

The Transportation Code, among others, is aimed to significantly standardize water transportation, minimize accidents, and provide a structured environment for potential investors.

Also, in 2024, as part of his commitment to birth a more efficient NIWA, Mr. Bola Oyebamiji, alongside the Senate Committee on Marine Transport led by its Chairman, Sen. Wasiu Eshinlokun, embarked on an oversight visit to the NIWA Lagos Area Office during which a courtesy visit was paid to the Governor of Lagos State, His Excellency, Babajide Sanwolu to discuss areas where the State can assist NIWA to promote safety on waterways and at the same time boost revenue.

Also during the year, in his efforts to address cases of boat mishaps, the NIWA MD visited Gbajibo community in Niger State where he advised boat operators and passengers to adhere to water transportation guidelines which includes but not limited to wearing life jackets when boarding a boat. During the visit, he donated hundreds of life jackets to the boat operators and promised NIWA’s continued presence in the community.

The outgoing year also witnessed the transportation regulation and safety awareness campaign held across the twenty-two operational bases of NIWA including Taraba, Anambra, Ogun, Nigeria, Kwara, Kebbi, Zamfara, Crossriver, Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Delta, and Dundaye in Wamako Local Government Area of Sokoto State, to mention a few, where representatives from several other states of the Federation where also in attendance.

In his determination to enhance safety on Nigeria’s waterways, the NIWA MD in October of 2024 met with critical stakeholders in the transportation sector including Honourable Commissioners of Transportation, from more than 22 States of the Federation to discuss safety on waterways.

Within the same year under review, Mr. Bola Oyebamiji joined other stakeholders from across the globe to attend the 46th Consultative Meeting at IMO Headquarters in London, with discussions focusing on ocean protection issues. In December, the NIWA MD also visited OCEA Shipyard in London for an inspection & strategic business meeting with the COO Mr. Geoff Symonds. Fruitful discussions were held on how to collaborate with OCEA for the construction of fibre boats in a bid to phase out commercial wooden boats in Nigeria as a means of reducing boat mishaps.

He was accompanied on the trip by NIWA management staff, including Umar Yusuf Gerie, Engr. Horsefall Dakio, and Engr. Sarat Briamah, along with other notable officials from Lagos State.

He ended the year by playing host to the leadership of the National Association of Polytechnic Students, who paid him a courtesy visit and pledged their solidarity to the agency.