The Federal Government on Tuesday celebrated a rare blend of transparency and performance in the maritime sector as Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamji (AMBO) was honoured as Most Media Friendly Maritime CEO at an award ceremony held in Abuja.
Delivering an address on behalf of the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Adegboyega Oyetola, the Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Dr Bolaji Akinola, described the award as a timely recognition of leadership anchored on accountability, reform and constructive engagement with the media.
The Minister commended the Coalition of Maritime Journalists of Nigeria for spotlighting professionalism and openness in a sector central to national economic growth, noting that specialised maritime reporting remains critical to governance, safety and public trust.
He said AMBO’s tenure as Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) marked a defining era of institutional renewal, driven by vision, administrative rigour and policy clarity that repositioned the Authority within Nigeria’s blue economy framework.
Under Oyebamji’s leadership, NIWA recorded notable growth in internally generated revenue, aided by operational reforms, stronger regulation and improved collaboration with stakeholders, thereby enhancing service delivery across inland waterways.
A major highlight of his stewardship was the introduction of Nigeria’s first Inland Waterways Safety Code in 35 years, a landmark policy that set clear standards, improved compliance and significantly strengthened navigation safety nationwide.
Beyond policy, enforcement mechanisms were tightened, monitoring enhanced and partnerships with security agencies deepened, steps that helped restore order, professionalism and confidence in inland water transportation.
The Minister also recalled Oyebamji’s role as Chairman of the Special Committee on the Prevention of Boat Mishaps, where coordinated national interventions, stakeholder sensitisation and evidence-based strategies helped curb recurring waterway accidents.
According to the address, AMBO distinguished himself not just as a parastatal head but as a strategic partner of the Ministry, aligning NIWA’s operations with national efforts to unlock the economic potential of inland waterways.
As the APC governorship candidate for Osun State ahead of the August 8, 2026 election, the Minister expressed confidence that Oyebamji’s track record of reforms, prudence and inclusive leadership positions him for higher responsibility.
He concluded that leadership is measured by impact, not rhetoric, congratulating AMBO on the honour and urging others in the maritime sector to embrace transparency, professionalism and service-driven governance.