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Tag: NIWA

  • Osun 2026: Why NIWA boss should clinch APC guber ticket — Group

    Osun 2026: Why NIWA boss should clinch APC guber ticket — Group

    …pledges financial, logistical support

    A socio-political group has urged members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to support and ensure the emergence of the managing director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Asiwaju Bola Oyebamiji, as the 2026 governorship flagbearer of the party.

    The group, AMBO Movement, United Kingdom, in a letter addressed to the state chairman of APC, Tajudeen Lawal, dated July 24th, 2025, which was copied to Chief Bisi Akande, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, APC national scribe, Senator Ajibola Basiru and the elders’ caucus, was delivered by ex-commissioner, Adebayo Adeleke.

    The letter, signed by its coordinator, Alhaji Mayowa Olabisi, recommended Oyebamiji to the party to become the candidate of the party because of both his private and public track records.

    It read, “Oyebamiji has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership, loyalty, and competence in public service. His tenure as the Managing Director of Osun State Investment Company Limited (OSICOL), where he transformed a moribund institution into a profitable and revitalised entity, as well as his stint as the Commissioner for Finance, was marked by transparency, innovation, and fiscal discipline.”

    He added that Osun State witnessed improved financial management and strategic investment initiatives that laid the groundwork for sustainable development when he was in office.

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    He stressed, “Within one year, under his leadership as the MD NIWA, the agency acquired 15 boats of varying capacity, including surveillance boats, a 62-seater passenger boat, water ambulances, and hydrographic survey boats equipped with multi-beam echo sounders, among others.

    “The water Marshal Corps scheme was initiated, timely interventions which reduced boat accidents and deaths on waterways by 30% in 2024. He has continued to distinguish himself, prioritising staff welfare and safety and implementing the Water Transportation Code.”

    He stressed that it is imperative that the APC presents a candidate with proven financial acumen to direct the state on the path of economic prosperity.

    The group urged the party and its members to support Oyebamiji because his capacities appeal to the grassroots and possess values of integrity, service, and visionary leadership that the party stands for.

    “We also wish to pledge our financial and logistical support from the diaspora to ensure the success of his candidacy and the victory of our great party in the upcoming election.”

  • Boat mishaps: NIWA launches ‘No lifejackets, no boarding’ campaign in Niger

    Boat mishaps: NIWA launches ‘No lifejackets, no boarding’ campaign in Niger

    The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has launched the lifejacket and safety awareness campaign tagged no life jacket, no boarding across riverine communities in Niger state to reduce boat mishaps and enhance waterway safety.

    According to the NIWA area manager in charge of Niger and Kwara, Akapo Adeboye, at the Zumba water front in Shiroro local government area, the campaign tagged “Safety and Safety Trip: Zero Tolerance to Boat Mishap, No Life Jacket, No Boarding” is necessary to sensitise the boat owners and users about the importance of using life jackets.

    He pointed out that many boat mishaps occur on the River Kaduna, adding that the campaign is aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding the lives of Nigerians on the waterway.

    Speaking to journalists after the programme, Adeboye explained that the campaign was organised for boat operators and passengers anticipating rising water levels due to predicted heavy rainfall forecast by Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and the Nigerian Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA).

    “The reason behind organising the 2025 sensitisation campaigns on safety of lives and property on inland waterways regulations is to ensure compliance and reduce accidents.

    Read Also: Osun 2026: Why voters should reject Adeleke, PDP, by NIWA boss

    “There have been so many boat accidents here because of non-use of life jackets. This spot is very important because people come from everywhere for business, and we are working to ensure that all lives and properties are safe. We urge everyone to take safety seriously and comply with the regulations to avoid accidents occasioned by boat mishaps,” he said.

    The Area Manager attributed the significant reduction in water mishaps in Niger over the past year to sustained sensitisation and enforcement of water transport regulatory measures across all water fronts in the state, while stating that the agency would not tolerate disregard for water transport regulations, especially the use of life jackets.

    The Chairman of the Boat Owners and Freshwater Users Association in Shiroro, Alhaji Aliyu Yerima, applauded the sensitisation campaign and the donation of life jackets to operators, describing it as timely, adding that it would safeguard the lives and properties of rural farmers as well as enhance waterway safety.

  • NIWA governing board vows to curb security threat on waterways

    NIWA governing board vows to curb security threat on waterways

    The Governing Board of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has disclosed plans to curb piracy and other security threats on the waterways.

    The board also said it would work with the management of NIWA to invest in modern operational aids and other infrastructure to reduce the risk of building collapses and protect lives and property.

    This was disclosed in Abuja on Wednesday during the inauguration of the board members of NIWA by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola.

    The Minister who highlighted the roles of NIWA to include: regulation and development of the inland waterways, promotion of infrastructural development, facilitating transportation and trade, charged the Board to provide key policy guidance to the management of NIWA.

    Oyetola said: “I draw your attention to Section 170201(A) of the Public Service Rules, which clearly outlines the limits of Board oversight. The Board is to provide policy direction and supervision in line with government directives, but must not interfere with routine management or operational execution.

    “I enjoin the management of NIWA to engage constructively with the Board in a manner that reflects professionalism, mutual respect, and shared responsibility. Institutional harmony is vital, and this can only be achieved through cooperation, transparency, and unwavering dedication to national service”

    He also urged the newly inaugurated Board members to approach their assignment with discipline, focus, and a firm commitment to national interest.

    “Your role is pivotal to the development of a competitive and efficient port system that meets global standards and contributes meaningfully to Nigeria’s economic transformation”.

    Read Also: Osun 2026: NIWA boss canvasses support for APC in Adeleke’s hometown

    The Chairman of the Board, Hon. Musa Sarkin Adar, who spoke on behalf of the members of the board, assured that the board would guide the management of NIWA to tackle challenges that have hindered it from harnessing its potential.

    He said, “I recognise the challenges that have hindered the full realisation of the potential of NIWA. During this tenure, we will capitalise on the meaningful improvement in key areas with the collective support of the management, and give them all the required support they need.

    “We will collaborate with a focus on enhancing the safety and security of our waterways. It will involve upgrading infrastructure, investing in modern operational aids, and strengthening partnerships with relevant agencies to combat piracy and other security threats that have hindered water transportation in our inland waterways.

    “By taking these steps, we can reduce the risk of building collapses, protect human life and property, and ensure that our waterways are used sustainably and responsibly to enhance economic growth, especially across the geopolitical zones in the country”.

    He added that the board would work tirelessly together with the management to ensure that NIWA serves the best interests of Nigerians.

    Members of the board are; Mr. Bola Oyebamiji, Mr. Hussain Shettima, Mr. Jeminiwa Adewale Charles, Dr. Ndidi Ozegbe, Engr. Prof. Sadiq Z. Abubakar, Surv. Kunle Olugbemiro, Capt. Tajudeen Alao, Mr. Dele Kelvin Oye, Mr. Jerome Angwunwe and Hon. Hoplyn Eruore Ayu.

  • NIWA boss denies meeting with police to destabilise Osun

    NIWA boss denies meeting with police to destabilise Osun

    The Managing Director of National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) Asiwaju Bola Oyebamiji, has denied meeting with the police to destabilise Osun State ahead of the 2026 guber poll. 

    Oyebamiji, one of the leading guber aspirants within the All Progressives Congress(APC), reacting to alleged meeting with one ACP Adekunle Ige of MOPOL 39 Commander, described the allegation as outright falsehood to smear him. 

    A statement by his campaign coordinator, Adebayo Adedeji on Thursday said he was not planning to heat up the polity of Osun State using the police as reported in some sections of the media. 

    “The accusation is false and is part of the grand plot to distract Oyebamiji from his lofty 2026 project of delivering the state from the doldrum it was plunged into by the clumsy government in Abeere.

    “We equally sense that the power mongers have seen the 2026 defeat staring themselves in the face, thus preparing the ground of excuse for the outcome of the failure awaiting them next year.”

    He said that since Oyebamiji declared his gubernatorial intention, the NIWA boss has come under false attacks from the camp of the incumbent governor of Osun State. 

    “Oyebamiji did not meet the named police officer, or any officer for that matter, for any purpose or for the purpose of further breaching the fragile security architecture in the state or withdrawing the security Details of the Politically Exposed Persons (PEPs) in the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Osun as touted by the news outlet.

    “It is glaring that the evil forces behind the smear campaign against Oyebamiji are those either being haunted by the cruelty of their immediate past or troubled by the towering profile of our political megastar whose resolve, to set Osun loose from the manacles of the economic plunderers feeding fat on the commonwealth of the people of the state, is daily strengthened by the enthusiastic citizens.”

  • NIWA boss denies attack claim on Tinubu, warns peddlers of fake news

    NIWA boss denies attack claim on Tinubu, warns peddlers of fake news

    The Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Asiwaju Bola Oyebamiji, has denied allegations that his supporters attacked President Bola Tinubu following a recent visit by Governor Ademola Adeleke, his brother Adedeji Adeleke, and afrobeat star David Adeleke (Davido) to his residence.

    Oyebamiji, a leading governorship aspirant under the All Progressives Congress (APC), issued a strong warning to those spreading false information, urging them to desist from deliberate misinformation.

    In a statement released through his campaign coordinator, Adebayo Adedeji, Oyebamiji described the claims as “mischievous and cruel,” alleging they were the handiwork of desperate politicians seeking to cause division.

    “My supporters had and have no reason to attack President Tinubu over a harmless private visit. The accusations are nothing more than an insanely sponsored narrative by rejected political actors,” the statement read.

    Oyebamiji reaffirmed his loyalty to President Tinubu and commitment to the APC, urging the public to disregard what he called baseless propaganda.

    Read Also: Tinubu inaugurates 180Mw Afam II Power Plant

    “My Media directorate monitors all activities and engagements on social and digital space to ensure all our political communications and media messaging align with our rule of engagement by promoting Oyebamiji, Renewed Hope Agenda and Adegboyega Oyetola. 

    “No member of our team, whether in the media or other directorates, has used his/her space to promote hate speech against our national leader or any leader of the party whatsoever.

    “We insist that Oyebamiji’s Project has been issued-based and is intentional about canvasing quality supports within and outside the party that would lead our party to success, first in 2026 in the guber contest and, second, in the 2027 presidential election.”

  • Osun 2026: NIWA boss blasts PDP, denies selling bank shares to Ponzi scheme

    Osun 2026: NIWA boss blasts PDP, denies selling bank shares to Ponzi scheme

    The Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Asiwaju Bola Oyebamiji, has refuted claims that he sold Osun State shares in Living Trust Bank to a Ponzi scheme, alleging instead that the transaction was carried out by an aide to Governor Ademola Adeleke.

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) had accused Oyebamiji of overseeing the fraudulent sale while serving as Osun State’s Commissioner of Finance, demanding clarification on his alleged involvement.

    In a statement released Wednesday by Adebayo Adedeji, coordinator of his campaign team, Oyebamiji described the allegation as baseless and politically motivated. 

    He said it was a calculated attempt to tarnish his image ahead of the 2026 governorship race, where he is seen as a major contender determined to rescue Osun from what he called PDP’s failed leadership.

    He explained, “Bola Oyebamiji played no role in how Osun State’s shares in LivingTrust were sold to private investors, as the transaction, which ceded the shares to private investors, took place long before he became the Commissioner of Finance in the state.

    “The divestment of Osun’s shares occurred in 2013 when Dr Wale Bolorunduro, who reportedly is now a financial advisor to Governor Adeleke, was the Commissioner of Finance.

    Read Also: BREAKING: Osun 2026: NIWA boss, Oyebamiji declares aspiration for guber seat 

    “Living Trust Mortgage Bank, which used to be named Omoluabi Mortgage Bank, was wholly state-owned until 2013 when it was converted from a Private Limited Liability Company to a Public Limited Liability Company and subsequently listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange, where its shares were publicly traded.”

    He noted that Bolorunduro, who was the finance commissioner at the time, played a prominent role, hence, Oyebamiji should not be fingered or alleged.

    Adedeji stated that a letter dated March 21, 2025, addressed to the Managing Director of LivingTrust, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), declined Bolorunduro’s nomination by Adeleke as Director, as they demanded a neutral person.

    He added, “Since rejection of the nomination, Osun government agents are sponsoring a campaign of calumny against Oyebamiji, whose gubernatorial aspiration has become a big headache for the present government. 

  • NIWA installs water buoys to enhance safety on Niger-Kwara waterways

    NIWA installs water buoys to enhance safety on Niger-Kwara waterways

    The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has taken a major step to improve safety and navigation for waterway users by installing water buoys along the critical Gbajibo (Niger State) to Gbajibo-Mundi (Kwara State) route.

    According to a statement by NIWA’s Assistant General Manager, Corporate Affairs, Suleiman Makama, the agency deployed 16 buoys—10 red and 6 green—to clearly mark the waterways, reducing risks associated with water transport.

    The buoys provide vital guidance for travelers, ensuring safer navigation on the river, which has a minimum depth of 21.3 meters along the route.

    Read Also: NIWA partners NAFDAC to test boat operators for drug use

    “These buoys serve as critical markers, indicating safe navigation channels, warning of hazards and designating protected areas,” Makama stated, emphasising the importance of the installations in promoting safe water transport.  

    The move is part of NIWA’s broader efforts to improve safety standards and operational efficiency across Nigeria’s inland waterways. During the 2025 Management Retreat, NIWA’s Managing Director and CEO, Bola Oyebamiji, reiterated the agency’s commitment to enhancing safety regulations and improving infrastructure to support safe and efficient waterway transportation nationwide.  

    With inland waterways serving as essential transportation routes for goods and people, especially in regions like Kwara and Niger states, NIWA’s initiative is expected to reduce accidents and promote smoother, safer navigation along the waterways.

  • NIWA partners NAFDAC to test boat operators for drug use

    NIWA partners NAFDAC to test boat operators for drug use

    The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has disclosed that boat operators would now be subjected to drug tests before they are allowed to operate, just as it announced several penalties for violation of waterway regulations.

    The NIWA area manager, Akapo Adeboye, who disclosed this during a sensitization for boat operators, traders and farmers in Katcha Local Government Area, said that the agency would be partnering with the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) for the drug testing.

    This, he said, would reduce the recurring boat mishaps that have claimed several lives in Niger State communities stating that it will enhance safety and reduce accidents on waterways.

    Adeboye said as part of its enforcement measures, NIWA has introduced penalties for non-compliance with safety regulations including a N50,000 fine for night travel and transporting hazardous, inflammable materials or excessive mining sandbags.

    Other penalties are fines of N20,000 for overloading and dumping refuse into waterways and N10,000 fine for failure to use a life jacket, operating a boat without a valid license, or lacking a fire extinguisher.

    Read Also: NIWA boss laments poor state of schools in Osun

    He also warned that inexperienced boat operators would face prosecution if found transporting passengers without proper training, “We have observed that many boat drivers lack adequate experience. To address this, NIWA is providing necessary training to improve safety and protect lives and property,” he stated.

    Speaking about the sensitization, Adeboye said Katcha is important as there have been several boat accidents involving farmers and traders travelling to the Katcha’s weekly market.

    During the sensitization, NIWA donated over 100 life jackets to boat operators, announcing the deployment of waterways marshals and monitoring speedboats to oversee compliance with safety regulations.

  • Boat accidents, deaths down by 30 % in 2024, says NIWA

    Boat accidents, deaths down by 30 % in 2024, says NIWA

    The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) reduced accidents and deaths on waterways by 30 per cent in 2024.

    NIWA, headed by Bola Oyebamiji, former Finance commissioner, Osun State, had been at the forefront of ensuring improved infrastructural facilities, among others, was scored high in a report by Marine Crafts Builders Association of Nigeria (MCBAN).

    According to the report with reference number Marine/2024/08/11/P/002, the number of boat accidents in 2021 and 2022 averaged 330.

    Read Also: NIWA targets N34.4b revenue for 2025

    However, last year, the fatality figure had reduced to 231, highlighting the tremendous improvement experienced on waterways under the leadership of Oyebamiji.

    The Bureau, charged with investigating any transport accident, including marine accident, noted: “Life jacket is one of the most important pieces of safety equipment on a boat.”

    It was indicated that the agency ensured the Water Marshall initiative, deploring 350 marshalls to loading and offloading terminals nationwide to enforce regulations and participate in rescue operations.

    “No fewer than 2,000 life jackets have been freely distributed to boat operators in the last 12 months to ensure safety of passengers on the waterways.

  • NIWA reduces waterways accidents, deaths by 30% in 2024 – Report

    NIWA reduces waterways accidents, deaths by 30% in 2024 – Report

    The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has successfully reduced boat accidents and fatalities by 30% in 2024, according to a report by the Marine Crafts Builders Association of Nigeria (MCBAN).

    Under the leadership of Bola Oyebamiji, former Osun State finance commissioner, NIWA has enhanced infrastructure and safety measures, leading to a decline in accidents. 

    The report, referenced Marine/2024/08/11/P/002, noted that boat accidents averaged 330 in 2021 and 2022 but dropped to 231 in 2024.

    The Bureau responsible for transportation accident investigations emphasized the importance of life jackets and safety enforcement. 

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    NIWA’s Water Marshall Initiative, which deployed 350 marshals to terminals nationwide, played a crucial role in enforcing safety regulations and aiding rescue operations.

    “No fewer than 2,000 life jackets have been freely distributed to boat operators in the last 12 months to ensure safety of passengers on the waterways. 

    The report read: “NIWA has demonstrated capacity to manage our waterways effectively and securely, and it is only hoped it could improve on its achievement thus far, so that by 2027, deaths arising from boat accidents on our waterways would have reduced to barest minimum as envisaged by the leadership of the agency in line with the mandate handed to the supervisory minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola by President Bola Tinubu.”