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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.
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Customs

KLT Customs reaffirms commitment to stronger maritime stakeholder engagement

Deputy Comptroller Bolaji Adigun

Gloria Odion, Maritime reporter
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‎The Acting Customs Area Controller (CAC) of the Kirikiri Lighter Terminal (KLT) Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Deputy Comptroller Bolaji Adigun, has reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to deepening engagement with stakeholders across the maritime industry in line with efforts to promote trade facilitation, transparency, and sustainable economic growth.
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‎Adigun gave the assurance through the Deputy Comptroller in charge of Administration, Comptroller T.A. Jonah, who represented him during a courtesy visit by the newly elected Executive Committee of the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN) to the Command in Lagos.
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‎The Acting CAC, who was unavoidably absent, underscored the importance of sustained collaboration between the Nigeria Customs Service and key industry stakeholders, particularly the maritime media, in advancing the Service’s mandate and supporting national economic development.
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‎He described the media as a critical partner in disseminating information on government policies, customs reforms, trade facilitation initiatives, revenue generation, and anti-smuggling operations.
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‎According to him, maritime journalists occupy a strategic position in shaping public understanding and perception of activities within the port and maritime sector, stressing the need for professionalism, accuracy, and balanced reportage in the discharge of their duties.
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‎Adigun further assured the MARAN delegation that the KLT Area Command would continue to operate an open-door policy while fostering cordial and productive relationships with stakeholders within the maritime community.
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‎Earlier in his remarks, the President of MARAN, Mr. Oluyinka Onigbinde, stated that the visit formed part of the association’s ongoing stakeholder engagement initiative following the inauguration of its newly elected executive committee.
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‎Onigbinde explained that the purpose of the visit was to formally introduce the new leadership of the association to the Command and strengthen the longstanding relationship between MARAN and the Nigeria Customs Service.
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‎He commended the KLT Area Command for its contributions to trade facilitation, revenue generation, and enforcement activities, describing the Command as a vital component of Customs operations within Nigeria’s port system.
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‎The MARAN President also reaffirmed the association’s commitment to professional, objective, and development-driven journalism, noting that maritime reporters play a significant role in promoting informed discourse on issues affecting the industry.
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‎He further assured the Command of MARAN’s continued support for initiatives aimed at enhancing efficiency, transparency, and competitiveness within Nigeria’s maritime sector through responsible and factual reporting.

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Headlines

One infant, three adults die, several others sustain injuries in fatal train derailment along Warri- Itakpe route 

Funso OLOJO,  Editor 
The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has confirmed the death of four passengers in a train derailment along the Warri–Itakpe Train Service (WITS) corridor near Agbor, Delta State on Monday, June 8th, 2026.
Several others suffered various degrees of injuries.
In a statement by the Ministry of Transportation  and signed by its Permanent Secretary, Engr. Funsho Adebiyi, the victims included two female adults, one male adult and one infant.
The accident involved four coaches which reportedly capsized while one coach derailed, resulting in the unfortunate loss of four lives.
The statement confirmed that a total of 442 passengers were booked on the train, while 40 crew members, security personnel, and third-party service providers were also on board, bringing the total number of persons on the train to 482.
The NRC had activated immediate rescue and evacuation operations with the support of the Delta State Government, NEMA, FRSC, the Police, Civil Defence, local authorities, security agencies, and other emergency responders, and were completed by 6:30 p.m on Monday .
The Injured passengers were evacuated to medical facilities in Agbor for treatment.
 Other notable individuals on board included the Senator representing Delta Central Senatorial District, Senator Ede Dafinone, and former Delta State Secretary to the State Government, Hon. Patrick Ukah, among others.
As of the time of this release, 24 serious injuries have been recorded, while several other passengers sustained varying degrees of injuries and are receiving medical attention.
One NRC staff member suffered a traumatic limb injury and is currently receiving treatment and is reported to be in stable condition.
“The Ministry and the NRC extend their deepest condolences to the families of the deceased and pray for the quick recovery of all those injured.
“The Corporation also appreciates the swift intervention of the Delta State Government, emergency responders, security agencies, the NRC Mechanical Directorate, the Special Rescue and Emergency Team, medical personnel, and members of the public who assisted in the rescue efforts” the statement declared.
The ministry said full onboard manifest has been retrieved and will be made available upon request by the relevant authorities while efforts are ongoing to identify all the injured and deceased persons for proper documentation.
The Ministry in conjunction with the NRC have commenced a full investigation into the cause of the accident while efforts will continue to account for all passengers and provide the necessary support to those affected.
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Commentaries

Why Nigeria must prioritize competency development and standards to harness gains of  blue economy

Funso OLOJO,  Editor 
Nigeria is endowed with vast maritime resources which offer enormous opportunities for economic growth, employment generation, food security, and environmental sustainability.
With its fabled over 850 kilometers of coastline, extensive inland waterways, and strategic access to the Gulf of Guinea, the country is naturally blessed to emerge as a hub for maritime activities in Africa.
However , taking advantage of these huge massive maritime opportunities should be the priority of Nigerian government which must be intentional on developing competency level of its Maritime professionals and raise their
adherence to international standards.
The blue economy encompasses diverse sectors including shipping, fisheries, aquaculture, marine tourism, offshore energy, maritime logistics, shipbuilding, and marine environmental management.
 These sectors are highly knowledge-driven and require a workforce equipped with specialized skills and globally recognized certifications.
Without competent professionals, Nigeria risks losing economic opportunities to countries with better-trained maritime personnel and stronger institutional frameworks.
Competency development is essential for enhancing productivity, safety, and operational efficiency across the maritime sector.
Skilled seafarers, marine engineers, port operators, logistics professionals, and environmental experts are critical to ensuring that maritime activities meet international best practices.
 As global shipping and offshore industries become increasingly technology-driven, continuous training and capacity building are necessary to keep Nigerian professionals competitive in the international labour market.
Skilled maritime professionals such as seafarers, marine engineers and allied personnel in the sector could be sources of foreign exchange earnings for Nigeria as they could be exported to the international community.
Philippines and India are the world’s top exporters of skilled maritime personnel such as seafarers where they get the chunk of their foreign exchange.
If Nigeria could develop such capacity in skilled labourers in the sector and export their expertise, the country could harvest bountifully from such venture.
Equally important is the adoption and enforcement of internationally recognized standards.
Standards provide the framework for quality assurance, safety management, environmental protection, and operational excellence.
Compliance with global maritime standards established by organizations such as the International Maritime Organization(IMO) and the Nautical Institute enhances Nigeria’s credibility as a maritime nation and attracts foreign investment.
Investors and international partners are more likely to engage with institutions and businesses that demonstrate compliance with recognized benchmarks.
That is why the recent certification of the Maritime Centre of Excellence operated by NLNG Shipping and Marine Services Limited by the  UK Nautical Institute is germaine to Nigeria’s quest to develop training capacity and build compliance with standard procedures
This feat also underscores the importance of world-class training institutions in building local capacity.
That is why the  government should give necessary assistance to training institutions in Nigeria such as Maritime Academy of Nigeria(MAN),  Oron and the Maritime Centre of Excellence operated by NLNG Shipping and Marine Services Limited.
Such government patronage and assistance will not only improve the quality of maritime training in Nigeria but also position the country as a regional centre  for maritime education and professional development.
Prioritizing competency development and standards will also contribute significantly to maritime safety and environmental sustainability.
Well-trained personnel are better equipped to prevent accidents, manage maritime risks, and respond effectively to emergencies.
 Furthermore, adherence to environmental standards helps reduce marine pollution, protect biodiversity, and ensure the sustainable utilization of ocean resources, which are fundamental pillars of the blue economy.
From an economic perspective, a competent workforce and strong standards framework can increase Nigeria’s participation in global maritime trade, create high-value jobs, reduce dependence on foreign expertise, and improve the country’s competitiveness.
 It also supports local content development by enabling Nigerian professionals and companies to meet the requirements of international contracts and projects.
In conclusion, competency development and standards are not optional components of Nigeria’s blue economy strategy; they are foundational requirements for its success.
 By investing in human capital, strengthening training institutions, and enforcing internationally accepted standards, Nigeria can fully harness the immense potential of its maritime resources and transform the blue economy into a major driver of national development, economic diversification, and sustainable growth.
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