The Federal Government of Nigeria has approved N14.6 billion for the procurement of modern boats and ferries, replacing obsolete wooden vessels and enhancing safety across the nation’s inland waterways.
The announcement was made by former Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Bola Oyebamiji, during a meeting with the Coalition of Maritime Journalists in Osun State. The investment is part of a broader initiative to modernize water transportation, boost regional trade, and safeguard passenger movement in riverine communities.
“I presented a paper to the Federal Government through the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, and about N14.6 billion was approved for the procurement of standard boats and ferries capable of safely carrying agricultural products and passengers on our inland waters,” Oyebamiji stated.
The new fleet by the Federal Government will serve major riverine hubs, including Niger, Benue, Kogi, Kwara, and Kebbi. Transitioning from wooden craft to standard ferries is expected to improve food supply chains, ensuring that farm produce moves faster and cheaper from rural communities to urban markets.
Oyebamiji also addressed operational challenges contributing to maritime accidents, emphasizing the role of human behavior.
“There was a time when I organised training and discovered that some operators were under the influence of alcohol and drugs. Safety is not only about vessels; it is also about behaviour. With better boats, supervision and sensitisation, we can change that culture,” he noted.
The reform reflects a shift in NIWA’s priorities toward staff motivation, stakeholder engagement, and enhanced supervision. Oyebamiji, now the APC governorship candidate in Osun State, highlighted that the procurement is crucial to reducing the 70 percent of accidents currently attributed to human error on inland waterways.
For more stories like this visit naijabeats.com
