NIWA-Backed Inland Waterways Clean-Up Initiative to Transform Nigeria’s Blue Economy
NIWA-Backed Inland Waterways Clean-Up Initiative to Transform Nigeria’s Blue Economy
In its genuine efforts to address the mounting environmental challenges facing Nigeria’s inland waterways, the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has partnered with indigenous environmental firm Parts Central Limited to spearhead a comprehensive clean-up initiative. The project, conceived under the leadership of former NIWA Managing Director Asiwaju Bola Oyebamiji, represents a decisive step toward building a cleaner, safer, and investment-ready inland waterways ecosystem.
The initiative is designed to combat persistent issues such as waste pollution, indiscriminate refuse dumping, oil spills, and environmental degradation. Through a structured and sustainable approach, the programme will identify and eliminate major sources of pollution, facilitate systematic waste removal, and promote innovative waste-to-wealth solutions that generate employment for riverine communities
Beyond environmental restoration, the project will improve navigational safety by clearing obstacles that impede vessel movement. It will also support the conservation of aquatic resources, strengthen Nigeria’s fisheries value chain, and contribute to the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda for the marine and blue economy.
By repositioning Nigeria’s inland waterways as attractive destinations for investment, the initiative is expected to stimulate commerce, encourage tourism, and unlock vast untapped opportunities within the nation’s blue economy.
Managing Director of Parts Central Limited, Henry Olaoluwa Onifade, assured Nigerians that the programme will be executed with professionalism, transparency, and measurable impact. He emphasized the importance of collective participation from government agencies, private operators, host communities, and environmental groups, noting that sustained collaboration will be key to success.
“This initiative marks a historic intervention in the management of Nigeria’s inland waterways. With shared commitment, we will achieve cleaner, safer, and more productive waterways that set a new benchmark for environmental stewardship,” Onifade stated.
