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. This is even as the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, reviewed major safety, revenue and regulatory milestones recorded under his leadership at the Authority.
The award, organised by a Coalition of Maritime Journalists of Nigeria, was presented in Abuja on Tuesday, in recognition of Oyebamiji’s openness, accessibility and partnership with the media, as well as his broader contributions to Nigeria’s inland waterways development.
Speaking at the investiture ceremony, Oyetola who was represented by his Special Adviser on Media, Dr Bolaji Akinola described Oyebamiji as a consummate public servant whose tenure at NIWA repositioned the Authority within Nigeria’s marine and blue economy framework through innovation, institutional strengthening and stakeholder engagement.
He commended the Coalition of Maritime Journalists for promoting transparency and professionalism in the maritime sector, noting that specialised maritime journalism remains indispensable in shaping public understanding, strengthening accountability and encouraging stakeholder participation.
“By recognising individuals who uphold openness and constructive engagement with the media, you are reinforcing the values that strengthen governance and institutional credibility,” Oyetola said.
Reviewing NIWA’s milestones under Oyebamiji, the Minister said NIWA recorded significant improvement in revenue generation through strategic reforms, enhanced operational efficiency, better collaboration with stakeholders and stronger regulatory oversight, which improved its financial sustainability and service delivery across the nation’s inland waterways.
A major achievement highlighted by Oyetola was the development and implementation of the first Inland Waterways Safety Code in 35 years, which introduced operational standards, compliance mechanisms and safety protocols to improve navigation safety and reduce risks nationwide.
“One of the most enduring legacies of Asiwaju Oyebamiji’s tenure was the development and implementation of the first Inland Waterways Safety Code in 35 years. This landmark achievement represents a historic milestone in the regulation of Nigeria’s inland waterways,” he said.
He added that NIWA also strengthened enforcement mechanisms, improved monitoring of waterway operations and enhanced collaboration with security agencies, interventions that have contributed to safer operations and renewed public confidence in inland water transportation.
Oyetola further noted Oyebamiji’s role as Chairman of the Special Committee on the Prevention of Boat Mishaps in Nigeria, where he led coordinated national efforts to curb boat accidents through evidence-based policies, stakeholder sensitisation and enforcement-driven strategies.
Beyond administration, the Minister said Oyebamiji’s leadership style combined humility, firmness, inclusiveness and accountability, making him accessible to industry players and journalists alike, qualities that justified his recognition as the Most Media Friendly Maritime CEO.
“As he now carries the banner of 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 capacity to deliver purposeful and transformational leadership,” Oyetola added.
In his goodwill message, the Acting Managing Director of NIWA, Alhaji Umar Yusuf Girei, described Oyebamiji as a leader who transformed the work culture of the Authority and aligned its programmes with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Girei said NIWA under AMBO hit the ground running with value-driven programmes and stronger human commitment to duty, adding that the Authority would also be receiving the New Telegraph Maritime Agency of the Year 2025 Award, another testament to the strides recorded during Oyebamiji’s tenure.
“More importantly are the human lives rescued and protected, the businesses stabilised and the staff and families touched positively. These are legacies we are proud to identify with,” he said.
Earlier, Chairman of the Coalition of Maritime Journalists of Nigeria, Mr. Frank Meke, said the award was instituted to celebrate maritime leaders who understand the power of information, openness and partnership with the media in building sustainable institutions.
Meke explained that Oyebamiji emerged after a careful assessment of his accessibility, responsiveness, support for journalists’ welfare, and encouragement of first-hand reporting across NIWA operational areas nationwide.
According to him, AMBO did not see the media as adversaries but as development partners, often providing operational support, creating a conducive work environment and encouraging journalists to visit inland waterways locations for better understanding and accurate reportage.
“The maritime sector thrives when leaders embrace transparency. Asiwaju Oyebamiji consistently opened his doors to journalists, promoted firsthand engagement with inland waterways operations and supported the professional growth of maritime reporters,” Meke said.
In his acceptance speech, Oyebamiji expressed gratitude to the maritime journalists for the recognition, describing the award as a product of collective effort during his short stay as Managing Director of NIWA.
He paid special tribute to Oyetola, whom he described as his mentor and leader, acknowledging his consistent support from his days at Osun State Investment Company, through his service as Commissioner for Finance, aide at the Federal Ministry, to his appointment as NIWA boss and eventual emergence as APC governorship candidate in Osun State.
Oyebamiji also commended maritime journalists for visiting notorious waterways to report on boat mishaps, noting that such field engagement helped raise safety awareness and improve public understanding of inland waterways operations.
He appreciated the management and staff of NIWA, particularly the Acting MD, Girei, for sustaining the agency’s vision and teamwork, expressing confidence that the foundation laid at the Authority would continue to yield positive results for Nigeria’s maritime sector.
The ceremony drew top government officials, maritime stakeholders and industry players, celebrating Oyebamiji’s leadership legacy and his collaborative relationship with the media in advancing Nigeria’s marine and blue economy agenda.
