By Newspot Nigeria News Desk
Nigeria’s maritime industry is undergoing a remarkable transformation under the leadership of Minister Adegboyega Oyetola and the Bola Oyebamiji-led management of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA). Recent milestones demonstrate how bold reforms and targeted investments are reshaping safety, revenue, and global perception in the sector.
One of the flagship initiatives, the Water Marshals scheme, was launched by NIWA in 2023 with 80 personnel and later expanded to 350. The program enforces the Water Transportation Code 2023, enhancing passenger safety and instilling a culture of compliance among operators. This commitment to safety has yielded tangible results: boat accidents and fatalities have seen a 30% drop in 2024 compared to 2021–2022, and a dramatic 72% reduction has been recorded in 2025.
At the same time, the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy has been delivering measurable performance. According to the CRSCU, a performance-tracking unit under the Office of the Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination, the ministry achieved 75% performance in 2024, placing it among the top four performing ministries under President Bola Tinubu’s administration. The Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) even adjudged it the Best Performing Ministry of 2024.
On the revenue front, the sector has set a national record. Maritime earnings surged from ₦700.79 billion in 2023 to ₦1.39 trillion in 2024—the highest in Nigeria’s history. This boom reflects not only increased efficiency in ocean and inland waterway management but also the creation of new opportunities for businesses and communities along Nigeria’s waterways.
Equally significant is the improvement in maritime security. Since August 2023, Nigeria has recorded zero piracy attacks in its territorial waters—a development that has boosted investor confidence and improved the country’s standing in international shipping circles. Complementing this achievement, NIWA reactivated multiple Search and Rescue stations, cutting emergency response time from three hours to less than 30 minutes.
To further strengthen passenger safety, NIWA, in collaboration with the Ministry, has commenced the distribution of 42,000 free life-jackets across 12 riverine states, ensuring that vulnerable communities benefit directly from the government’s safety-first approach.
These achievements reflect the combined vision of Minister Oyetola and NIWA’s Bola Oyebamiji in aligning Nigeria’s maritime sector with global best practices. As the world marks International Maritime Day 2025, Nigeria stands out as an example of how leadership, innovation, and commitment can unlock the vast potential of marine and blue economy resources.
Newspot Nigeria will continue to monitor and report on these developments as the sector expands its role in Nigeria’s economic transformation.
