NIWA Still Awaiting New MD Two Months After Oyebamiji's Departure

Two months following the resignation of Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji (AMBO) from his role as Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), there has been no announcement from President Bola Tinubu regarding a new appointment. This delay has resulted in a leadership void in a key agency within Nigeria's marine and blue economy, as per reports from Daily Trust.

Investigations revealed that Oyebamiji stepped down from his position on November 15, 2025, opting to pursue his aspirations for the Osun State Governorship election, where he has been nominated as the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate.

Oyebamiji, who branded his political initiative under the APC as AMBO, was appointed by President Bola Tinubu on October 25, 2023, to lead NIWA.

In a communiqué issued at the time of his departure, Oyebamiji's spokesperson, Adebayo Adedeji, acknowledged his resignation while expressing gratitude towards President Tinubu and Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola, for their support in his appointment as the CEO of NIWA.

"During his tenure of two years, Oyebamiji exhibited exemplary leadership, leveraging nearly 40 years of experience in both the private and public sectors to transform the authority for enhanced effectiveness."

"Under his administration, there was a reported over 70 percent reduction in fatalities and accidents on Nigeria’s inland waterways. Additionally, he advanced safety awareness initiatives and significantly improved staff welfare, which received considerable commendation," Adedeji stated.

He further conveyed, "As he embarks on this new political chapter, Oyebamiji is dedicated to providing effective leadership and quality service to the citizens of Osun State in preparation for the 2026 gubernatorial elections. His goal is to place Osun on a path toward sustainable economic prosperity for current and future generations."

Prior to his position at NIWA, Oyebamiji had held the role of Osun State Commissioner for Finance across two terms and later served as a Special Adviser to the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola. He is recognized as a banker, economist, public administrator, and politician.

Leadership Void Amidst Increasing Boat Accidents

Meanwhile, the absence of leadership at NIWA is being felt as boat incidents continue to rise in the nation.

Statistics from NIWA indicate that around 3,800 kilometers of Nigeria's waterways are navigable seasonally for the transportation of bulk cargo and passengers.

Data from the Nigeria Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), formerly known as the Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB), shows that drowning incidents account for more than two-thirds of boat-related fatalities, with 90% of those victims not utilizing Personal Flotation Devices (PFD), commonly referred to as Life Jackets.

Reports indicate that numerous fatalities have occurred due to boat mishaps just in the year 2025.

For instance, in June 2025, a canoe accident resulted in the deaths of seven individuals while they were traveling from Gidan Husaini to Gwargawu village within Kambama Ward in Shagari Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

The deceased included two children aged three and seven, three married women, and two adults between 35 and 40 years of age.

Additionally, in August, the NEMA office head in Sokoto, Mr. Aliyu Shehu, revealed that a boat carrying 51 passengers, mostly traders along with their goods and motorcycles, capsized.

A report from the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) Nigeria found that over 300 lives were lost in Nigeria's waterways in 2023 alone.

In the year 2024, a further 326 lives were recorded as lost due to boat accidents, with Niger and Kwara states exhibiting the highest death tolls of 92 and 90, respectively, according to data compiled by TheCable.

In July 2025, a tragic incident in Taura Local Government Area (LGA) of Jigawa State resulted in nine deaths among other casualties. One of the most catastrophic incidents in 2025 occurred in Niger State's Borgu Local Council, where a boat mishap claimed the lives of 60 people on September 2, 2025.

By December 2025, the NSIB had investigated over 10 maritime incidents throughout that year, including major mishaps affecting waterways across Nigeria, pushing for stronger compliance with safety regulations among stakeholders.

Some of the key noted incidents involved occurrences in Minna, Niger State, Ocholonya, Benue State, Kogi, Bida, Sokoto, and more. The agency noted an incident involving an overloaded boat that capsized in Agatu LGA of Benue State, resulting in over 20 fatalities and around 50 rescues.

NSIB representatives noted that many individuals remained unaccounted for, drawing attention to the critical issues of overloading and inadequate safety measures on local waterways. Furthermore, a significant mishap also took place in Kogi State around late September to early October 2025 when an overloaded boat with roughly 80 passengers capsized, leading to confirmed deaths in excess of 30, with many others either missing or rescued.

NSIB stressed the urgent need for regulatory adherence amongst maritime stakeholders, especially in relation to the guidelines delineated in the River Code issued by NIWA.

NIWA's Role

Established from what was previously known as the Inland Waterways Department (IWD) under the Federal Ministry of Transport, the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) was created via an act by the National Assembly, CAP 47, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria (LFN), 2004 (Decree No. 13 of 1997). Its main objective is to enhance and promote Nigeria's inland waterways for navigation, thereby providing an alternative mode of transport for economic goods and individuals while executing the national transport policy objectives related to inland waterways.

Official Denial of Leadership Vacuum

In a response to inquiries from Daily Trust, NIWA spokesman Mr. Makama Suleiman refuted claims of any leadership vacuum.

He explained, "Since Oyebamiji's resignation, Mal. Yusuf Umar Girei has been acting in this position and has adequately addressed the void left by the former MD according to due process."

Suleiman further added that prior to his elevation as Acting MD, Girei served as the general manager of finance at NIWA.

Under Girei's stewardship, he and the management team have recently informed the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy (FMM&BE;), Hajiya Fatima Sugra Tabi’a Mahmood, regarding the Authority’s core mission, vision, achievements, and operational hurdles.

NIWA, according to Girei, continues to implement initiatives that are notably impactful in alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda.

He underscored the significance of collaboration with the private sector as crucial for enhancing efficiency and service delivery at NIWA.

Such partnerships are essential for realizing the economic potential of inland waterways and improving navigation, infrastructure, and safety standards throughout the country.