Tribune Online, Author at Tribune Online

President Tinubu’s appointment of Bola Oyebamiji as Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has marked a transformative moment for Nigeria's waterways. Under Oyebamiji's leadership, significant improvements in safety, efficiency, and economic viability have defined a new era for Nigeria’s water transport system. With over 28 years of banking experience, Oyebamiji brings invaluable expertise to NIWA. His tenure as a two-term Commissioner for Finance under Governors Rauf Aregbesola and Gboyega Oyetola of Osun State showcases his adeptness in navigating intricate financial landscapes. As the head of NIWA, Oyebamiji collaborates closely with the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, to realize President Tinubu’s vision of tapping into Nigeria's vast marine resources for revenue generation. His leadership has been pivotal in enhancing accessibility, safety, and sustainability along Nigeria's inland waterways. Key initiatives and achievements during his tenure include the sensitization program on the Waterways Transportation Code, commissioning of vital projects, implementation of a performance management system, and fostering international partnerships. His relentless efforts have transformed Nigeria’s waterways into a symbol of safety and efficiency, ushering in a new era of maritime security and economic development. Achievements such as enhanced safety measures, infrastructure upgrades, regulatory enforcement, stakeholder engagement, and capacity building exemplify this progress. Having traversed the nation over the past year, I have observed a significant reduction in water overflow on our inland waterways, particularly in Lokoja, a testament to his impactful contributions. The positive outcomes of Oyebamiji’s leadership at NIWA include, Launch of 80 Water Marshals to monitor key loading and offloading points , Enhancement of staff welfare and introduction of a Performance Management System (PMS) to evaluate performance and reward staff, the Commissioning of 15 boats for surveillance, safety enforcement, and emergency response, including 3 surveillance boats, 5 safety enforcement boats, 1 gun patrol boat, 1 62-seater passenger boat, 3 water ambulances, and 2 hydrographic survey boats among others. Under his guidance, NIWA has achieved a 40% reduction in accidents and incidents on waterways, increased cargo throughput by 25%, created over 5,000 maritime sector jobs, and attracted $100 million in foreign investments. In his commitment to curbing boating accidents, he has outlined strategic measures aimed at improving safety on Nigerian waterways. NIWA’s proactive stance prioritizes lives and ensures secure transportation, establishing a reliable and thriving waterway system for all Nigerians. Oyebamiji's vision for a safer, more efficient, and economically vibrant waterways sector has come to fruition. His leadership has garnered international recognition for NIWA, enhancing Nigeria's standing in global maritime trade. The future of Nigeria's waterways appears brighter than ever, thanks to his unwavering dedication. As the country continues to explore and harness its marine resources, Oyebamiji’s vision and expertise will remain vital for the nation's prosperity. Under his steadfast leadership, our waterways are now safer than ever. Adebayo, a former Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) in Osun State, writes from Abuja.