Water Transport

Another boat capsizes in Kogi as NIWA sends team to rescue missing passengers.

Funso OLOJO

Fresh tragedy struck on Nigeria’s waterways when a wooden boat capsized on the waters of Ebe community in Kupa South Local Government Area of Kogi state.

The wooden craft, operated by an unknown boat operator, left with unsubstantiated number of passengers at the wee hour of Friday, November 29th, around 1 am in the morning,from an abandoned jetty with intent to beat NIWA’ s tight surveillance on the waterways.

Preliminary findings by NIWA indicated that the wooden boat was travelling to the Katcha market in Niger State when it suddenly went under due to poor visibility and overloading.

There are no details of lives lost so far as at the time of this report.

NIWA has set up an investigation panel to ascertain the real cause of the accident, the total number of passengers onboard, and the owner of the craft.

Meanwhile, the top management team of NIWA is leading and coordinating the rescue operations as well as making sure the survivors of the boat mishap receive urgent medical attention.

NIWA promised to release more information after the investigation has been concluded.

” We are shocked by this incident despite all our efforts to sensitize Nigerians about safety measures on waterways.

” Not quite long, we unveiled the National Waterways Transportation Code, visited communities and stakeholders to make them have a buy in to our strategy to curb accidents on water, and also discussed with State governors in Nigeria to partner with us in providing safe water crafts to help move people and goods safely across our waterways and now sadly , this happened.

“NIWA will investigate this accident and will prosecute the boat captain and owner for deliberate disobedience to the Extant law on waterways, Bola Oyebamiji, NIWA MD , declared.

Headlines

NIWA partners ICPC to strengthen internal transparency in its operations

Gloria Odion, Maritime Reporter

The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has announced new strategies aimed at improving its operational system and enhancing collaboration with key stakeholders as part of efforts to boost efficiency and accountability.

Speaking at a post event Press Conference at NIWA Headquarters Lokoja, the Acting Managing Director, Umar Yusuf Girei, while answering questions from journalists stated that, the organization convened a two -day Executive and Anti-Corruption training with the theme “Strengthening Integrity and Revenue System in Inland Waterways Management” organized for Board Members, Management and Area Managers and also 2026 NIWA Management Retreat in Abuja.

The Acting MD noted as part of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,with the support Adegboyega Oyetola, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, the Authority is focused on aligning institutional goals in ensuring better service delivery to Nigerians.

He further said, as part of its anti-corruption drive, the Management held discussions with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to explore measures for strengthening transparency within its operations.

Girei therefore, assured staff that the ongoing reforms under his watch would translate into improved service and better working conditions.

“NIWA remains committed to continuous improvement and stakeholder engagement and the reforms are expected to enhance both internal performance and public confidence”. he stated.

Headlines

NIWA wins New Telegraph’s 2025 maritime agency of the year award

Gloria Odion, Maritime Reporter

The National inland waterways Authority (NIWA) has been honored with the maritime agency of the year 2025 award.

The award was conferred on the agency by the New Telegraph Newspaper for its outstanding effort in reducing boat mishaps by 70 percent.

The award was received on behalf of NIWA by its Acting Managing Director, Alhaji Umar Yusuf Girei, at a dinner night held at Lagos Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos .

Alhaji Yusuf Girei, while receiving the award, dedicated it to the hardworking staff of the Authority and the former Managing Director, Bola Oyebamiji.

He expressed his gratitude, stating that the award is a testament of the Authority’s dedication and commitment to improving maritime safety in Nigeria and will spur the staff to do more.

The award was a recognition of NIWA’s efforts to promote safety and security on Nigerian inland waterways, including the implementation of the inland waterways transportation code and the deployment of water Marshals to enforce safety regulations amongst many other achievements in 2025.

Headlines

Oyetola, NIWA’s top managers celebrate Oyebamiji as he receives Media -Friendly CEO award in Abuja.

Funso OLOJO, Editor

In a blaze of glory, the maritime industry stakeholders, policy makers, media practitioners, including the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, stood in admiration as the former Managing Director of National Inland Waterways Authority(NIWA),Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji (AMBO), stepped out to receive the prestigious award as the most media- friendly CEO of the Maritime industry.

The award, conferred by the Coalition of Maritime Journalists, was in recognition of Oyebamiji’s transparency, accessibility, and partnership with the media, as well as his wider contributions to the development of Nigeria’s inland waterways.

Speaking at the investiture ceremony held in Abuja on Tuesday, February 10th, 2026, Oyetola described Oyebamiji, the Governorship candidate of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State, 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.

“By recognising leaders who uphold openness and constructive engagement with the media, you reinforce values that enhance transparency and institutional credibility,” the Minister said.

Reviewing NIWA’s achievements under Oyebamiji, Oyetola noted significant revenue growth, improved operational efficiency, enhanced stakeholder collaboration, and stronger regulatory oversight, which collectively strengthened the Authority’s financial sustainability and service delivery across Nigeria’s inland waterways.

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.

“One of the most enduring legacies of Asiwaju Oyebamiji’s tenure was the Inland Waterways Safety Code, a landmark achievement that modernised regulation and improved safety across the nation’s waterways,” Oyetola said.

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

“As he now represents the All Progressives Congress as the governorship candidate for Osun State in the August 8, 2026 election, many who have witnessed his track record remain confident in his ability to deliver purposeful and transformational leadership,” Oyetola added.

In a goodwill message, Acting Managing Director of NIWA, Alhaji 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 AMBO implemented value-driven programmes, strengthened staff commitment, and would also receive the New Telegraph Maritime Agency of the Year 2025 Award, further testament to the strides made during his tenure.

“Beyond policies and infrastructure, the human lives rescued, businesses stabilised, and families positively impacted are legacies we are proud to uphold,” he said.

Earlier, the 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.

“Leaders like Asiwaju Oyebamiji see the media not as adversaries but as partners in development, providing support, fostering a conducive work environment, and encouraging field reporting to ensure accurate coverage,” Meke said.

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 Girei, for sustaining the Authority’s vision and teamwork, expressing confidence that the foundation laid would continue to benefit Nigeria’s maritime sector.

The ceremony drew top government officials, maritime stakeholders, and industry players, celebrating Oyebamiji’s leadership legacy and collaborative engagement with the media in advancing Nigeria’s marine and blue economy agenda.