Stakeholders Laud Oyebamiji’s Reforms At Inland Waterways Following Exit

Stakeholders in the nation’s inland waterways authority have continued to speak about the resignation of Bola Oyebamiji as the Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA).

LEADERSHIP reports that Oyebamiji, who was appointed Managing Director of NIWA by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on October 25, 2023, has resigned his appointment to contest the Osun State All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial primary, which is scheduled for December 13, 2025.

However, key stakeholders in the inland waterways sector commend his reform-driven leadership at NIWA, describing his tenure as one marked by discipline, orderliness, and a sharp departure from the administrative turbulence that had previously defined the agency.

Speaking on behalf of the President of the Waterfront Boat Owners and Transporters Association of Nigeria (WABOTAN), Tope Fajemirokun, said Oyebamiji stood out as the best Managing Director he had ever worked with.

According to him, Asiwaju Oyebamiji strengthened internal discipline, restored administrative consistency, and resisted the common tendency of new Chief Executives to dismantle established and functional operational structures.

Fajemirokun added that Oyebamiji’s leadership brought improved stipends for water guards, more transparent communication with contractors, and more structured staff management processes. He noted that operational records from previous years showed enhanced sensitisation campaigns and more coordinated regulatory activities under AMBO’s watch.

Similarly, frontline boat operator and President of the Association of Tourist Boat Operators and Water Transporters of Nigeria (ATBOWATON), Ganiyu Tarzan Balogun, described his experience with Oyebamiji as “largely favourable.”

While noting his surprise at the timing of Oyebamiji’s resignation, Balogun stressed that NIWA’s mandate is regulatory and not operational, arguing that the former MD should be assessed strictly on those responsibilities.

“As far as I am concerned, he did very well,” Tarzan said. “People talk about boat mishaps, but he is not the one operating the boats. His duty is to regulate, ensure compliance, and enforce standards. Operators must also do their part. For me, he has done all he can.”

Balogun highlighted increased regulatory presence on waterways, stricter enforcement of life jacket use, intensified safety awareness campaigns, and deeper collaboration with state governments and private operators, particularly within high-traffic corridors such as Lagos.

As the Osun APC primary approaches, stakeholders across various sectors continue to acknowledge Oyebamiji’s leadership style and impact, strengthening his profile as the frontrunner in the race.