Inland Waterways Authority’s Ex-boss Wins Award

The immediate past Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji (AMBO), has been honoured with the “Most Media Friendly Maritime CEO” Award, as the minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Adegboyega Oyetola, highlighted key safety, revenue, and regulatory reforms achieved under his leadership.

The award, organised by the Coalition of Maritime Journalists of Nigeria, was presented in Abuja 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 award ceremony, Oyetola, who was represented by the special adviser to the minister on Media, Dr Bolaji Akinola, 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.

“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 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, 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, chairman of the Coalition of Maritime Journalists, 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 a 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 operations on inland waterways.

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.