The National President of the Association of Tourist Boat Operators and Water Transporters of Nigeria (ATBOWATON) and Chief Executive Officer of Tarzan Marine Enterprises, Dr. Ganiyu Tarzan Balogun, has commended the Federal Government for its ongoing efforts to develop Nigeria’s waterways and enhance safety standards while supporting the tourism sector.
Balogun made the commendation when a delegation of the Association of Nigerian Journalists and Writers of Tourism (ANJET) paid him a courtesy visit to present a notification letter of his nomination for an ANJET award in recognition of his years of dedicated service to the Nigerian tourism industry.
Speaking on the award, Balogun said he accepted the honour from ANJET because of the association’s credibility and deep understanding of the tourism and maritime sectors.
He expressed gratitude to ANJET for acknowledging his contributions to the industry, noting that sustainable growth in the sector requires government support for existing operators and new entrants alike.
According to him, “If the government wants to encourage the operators in the business, those already on ground should be supported and not sidelined for personal interests. Some civil servants do not like the truth because it doesn’t favour them. This attitude is discouraging and bringing tourism backward.”
Balogun praised Sarat Braimoh of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) for her professionalism and commitment to due process, describing her as one of the few who consistently uphold integrity in public service.
He also commended the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy for distributing 42,000 free life jackets to boat operators nationwide, saying the initiative would enhance passenger safety.
“You cannot enter Tarzan boats without a life jacket,” he said. “The government has given us life jackets, and I’ve also bought 150 recently. ATBOWATON was the first association to start enforcing life jacket use for passengers, beginning at Mekwen Jetty, Bonny Camp, Victoria Island.”
Balogun further called on boat operators to complement government efforts by ensuring strict compliance with safety regulations on waterways.
He recalled his earlier advocacy for the establishment of fuel stations on waterways during a meeting with former President Olusegun Obasanjo, stressing the need for successive governments to sustain such initiatives.
As part of his company’s corporate social responsibility (CSR), Balogun revealed that he provides free ferry services to uniformed students, police, navy, and army personnel across various Lagos waterways.
Presenting the nomination letter, ANJET President Okorie Uguru lauded Balogun for his leadership, consistency, and commitment to the promotion of water transportation and tourism in Nigeria.
Also speaking, veteran tourism journalist Frank Meke described Tarzan Balogun as an “institution” and “living memory” of Nigeria’s water transportation evolution.
“When we talk about people like this, we should listen and learn from their experience,” Meke said. “The history of water transportation in Nigeria cannot be complete without mentioning Tarzan Balogun.”
He praised ANJET for recognizing Balogun’s contributions, adding that his impact on the industry continues to inspire growth and innovation.
