The National President of the Association of Tourist Boat Operators and Water Transporters of Nigeria, ATBOWATON, has commended the Nigerian Government for its commitment to developing Nigeria’s waterways and supporting the growth of the tourism industry.
Dr. Balogun who is also the Chief Executive Officer of Tarzan Marine Enterprises have the remarks when a delegation from 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 contributions to Nigeria’s tourism and maritime sectors.
While expressing appreciation for the honour, the ATBOWATON President lauded ANJET’s credibility and professionalism, noting that “the tourism and marine transport industries can only thrive with greater and sustained government support.”
He urged the government to encourage genuine operators and adopt policies that promote growth rather than hinder progress, warning against decisions driven by personal or political interests.
Dr. Balogun commended Mrs. Sarat Braimoh of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) for her integrity and dedication to due process.
He also praised the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy for distributing 42,000 free life jackets to boat operators across the country, a move he described as a major boost to passenger safety.
According to him, ATBOWATON pioneered the enforcement of compulsory life jacket use for passengers years ago at the Mekwen Jetty, Bonny Camp, Victoria Island, Lagos, and continues to promote best safety practices nationwide.
He added that, as part of his company’s corporate social responsibility, Tarzan Marine provides free ferry services to students and uniformed personnel, including police, navy, and army officers, across locations such as Tarkwa Bay, Victoria Island, and Badore.
Presenting the nomination letter, ANJET President Okorie Uguru commended Dr. Balogun for his longstanding efforts to promote safety and development in Nigeria’s water transport sector.
Also speaking, veteran travel journalist Frank Meke described Dr. Balogun as “an institution” in the maritime industry, noting that the history of water transportation in Nigeria would be incomplete without his name.