Oyebamiji earns media accolade as maritime industry gathers in Abuja

The Nigerian maritime industry is poised for a landmark gathering as regulators, industry leaders, policymakers, and media professionals assemble in Abuja for the presentation of the “Most Media Friendly Maritime CEO” Award to the Immediate Past Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Mr. Bola Oyebamiji.

The award ceremony, themed “The Making of Oyebamiji,” which is in recognition of his exceptional relationship with the maritime media and commitment to transparent governance will take place on Tuesday, February 10, and is expected to draw high-profile participation across government and the maritime value chain.

Oyetola

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, will lead a distinguished list of dignitaries at the event, alongside the Chairman of the NIWA Governing Board, Alhaji Mukhtari Shehu Shagari, CFR, senior government officials, captains of industry, regulators, and members of the Coalition of Maritime Journalists of Nigeria.

Oyebamiji is being honoured for his tenure-defining approach to media engagement, which industry observers describe as open, inclusive, and reform-driven. As NIWA helmsman, he consistently treated the media as strategic partners in sector development, setting a new benchmark for regulator–media relations within Nigeria’s maritime space.

Under his leadership, NIWA adopted an institutional culture anchored on accessibility, transparency, and respect for the press.

Journalists covering inland waterways operations benefited from improved access to information, enhanced engagement frameworks, and deliberate efforts to support professionalism and welfare within the maritime media ecosystem.

A notable feature of Oyebamiji’s media-friendly leadership was his encouragement of regular media tours to NIWA operational areas nationwide.

These engagements offered journalists first-hand exposure to inland water transport infrastructure, safety initiatives, channel management, and regulatory activities, helping to enrich reportage with field-based insights and factual depth.

Meke

Reflecting on Oyebamiji’s leadership style, veteran maritime journalist and Chairman of the Coalition, Frank Meke, described the former NIWA boss as a leader who “does not see the media as an enemy, but as a partner in national development.”

According to Meke, Oyebamiji’s openness and accessibility helped rebuild trust between regulators and reporters, fostering an environment where professionalism, accountability, and access to information strengthened maritime reporting and public understanding of inland waterways governance.

The Abuja ceremony is widely regarded as an A-list maritime industry event, coming at a strategically important time as the sector adjusts to the establishment of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy. Stakeholders believe the gathering will further consolidate collaboration among government agencies, operators, regulators, and the maritime press in alignment with the ministry’s emerging policy direction.

Beyond celebration, the presentation of the “Most Media Friendly Maritime CEO” Award is expected to send a strong message on the value of transparent leadership and constructive media engagement in driving safety, accountability, and sustainable growth in Nigeria’s inland waterways sector.

As anticipation builds, industry watchers view the honour as recognition not only of Oyebamiji’s legacy at NIWA, but also of the critical role of the media in shaping a safer, more accountable, and economically viable marine and blue economy.