The immediate past Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority, Mr Bola Oyebamiji, has stated that the poor attitude of people towards safety on the inland waterways was one of his greatest challenges while at the helm of affairs at NIWA.
Oyebamiji, who disclosed this in an exclusive chat with The PUNCH on Sunday, added that poor funding was also another challenge he faced while at NIWA.
This comes days after Oyebamiji resigned his position as NIWA MD to pursue his governorship ambition in Osun State in 2026.
On Friday, reported that Oyebamiji, while confirming his resignation, told our correspondent that he stepped down in compliance with the electoral law to enable him to contest the 2026 Osun State governorship election.
“Yes, I have resigned in accordance with the electoral law to pursue my Osun 2026 governorship ambition,” he said.
However, speaking on his time at NIWA, he reiterated that to effectively and efficiently make a substantial impact on the waterways, NIWA would require consistent substantial funding.
“While there, as expected from a big organisation such as NIWA, our major challenge was the poor attitude of people to safety on the inland waterways. Regardless of our efforts and achievements, once there is an accident on the waterways, it sets us back by many miles.
Another challenge is funding. To effectively man and make a substantial impact on the waterways, the authority requires substantial funding consistently,” Oyebamiji said.
He called for a considerable shift in the attitude of users of the waterways, stressing that safety begins with individuals.
“In any case, our experience while there showed human errors as the leading causes of accidents on the inland waterways. Secondly, the agency requires substantial funding to deliver on its mandates. This, however, could be achieved through strong collaboration with the states and private interests,” he advised.
On his reasons for resigning, Oyebamiji reiterated that his action was in compliance with Section 84(12) of the 2022 Electoral Act (as amended), “to enable me to participate in the Osun State governorship primary scheduled for next month. Therefore, as a law-abiding citizen, it was imperative that I make such a decision.”
Giving further insight into his plans for the 2026 Osun governorship election, he said, “Our strategy is God and the people. I didn’t push myself forward for the fun of it. We sought and obtained God’s guidance and the people’s endorsement. As a person, I am prepared, competent and ready to do the job better come 2026 by the grace of God and the support of our people at home and abroad.”
Before his appointment at NIWA, Oyebamiji served as Osun State Commissioner for Finance for two terms and later as Special Adviser to the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola. He is also a banker, economist, public administrator, and politician.
