In a bid to drastically reduce accidents on Nigeria’s waterways, the Federal Government has procured modern boats and ferries worth ₦14.6 billion for distribution across riverine communities.
The initiative aims to phase out the unsafe wooden and dilapidated boats that have long contributed to frequent mishaps.
The disclosure was made on Thursday, January 29, 2026, by Asiwaju Bola Oyebamiji, former Managing Director of the Nigerian Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) and current APC governorship candidate in Osun State. Speaking at his campaign office in Oshogbo, Oyebamiji revealed that the new boats and ferries are expected to arrive in the country within the next few months.
He explained that the procurement followed recommendations he submitted to the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, during his tenure as NIWA boss.
The modern vessels will be distributed to states most vulnerable to waterway accidents, including Niger, Kogi, Benue, Kwara and Kebbi.
States such as Lagos, Rivers, and Cross River will not be included, as they are considered capable of independently investing in modern watercraft.
Oyebamiji noted that
wooden and dilapidated boats account for 20–25% of accidents while human error contributes to about 70% of mishaps. He asserted that the introduction of modern ferries will significantly reduce fatalities and improve the safe transport of both passengers and agricultural goods.
Reflecting on his time at NIWA, Oyebamiji described the agency as “moribund” when he assumed office, plagued by unmotivated staff and frequent accidents. He applied SWOT analysis to identify challenges and prioritized staff motivation, which he credited for the eventual turnaround in safety performance.
He also praised the media for supporting his campaign to reduce carnage on Nigeria’s waterways.
Minister Oyetola has consistently emphasized the need for riverine communities to abandon unsafe wooden boats and invest in modern ferries to safeguard lives and boost economic activities.