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By Steve Agbota
The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) and Parts Central have concluded plans to clean up inland waterways for the development of the nation’s blue economy and as well target pollution and job creation.
However, Government officials and private sector stakeholders across Nigeria’s maritime ecosystem will be at the unveiling of a pioneering environmental initiative aimed at cleaning up the country’s inland waterways.
The statement issued by NIWA on Wednesday stated that the event is scheduled for Tuesday, August 18, 2026, in Lagos.
“The initiative was developed by NIWA, in collaboration with Parts Central Ltd. It was conceived under the leadership of the immediate past Managing Director of NIWA, Asiwaju Bola Oyebamiji,” the statement reads.
According to the statement, designed as a comprehensive environmental reform programme, the project will focus on identifying sources of pollution and the indiscriminate disposal of waste within the inland waterways ecosystem.
“The project will deploy structured systems for the removal of waste and its conversion into economic value. This is expected to promote environmental sustainability while creating employment opportunities for communities living along the waterways.
“Beyond improving navigability by eliminating debris and pollution-related obstructions, the nationwide initiative is also expected to enhance the conservation of aquatic biodiversity, some of which remains largely undocumented. It will also contribute significantly to the growth of Nigeria’s fisheries economy,” the statement reads in part.
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has consistently emphasised the need to strategically harness the vast potential of Nigeria’s inland waterways beyond transportation.
He has positioned them as key drivers of economic diversification under the blue economy framework.
The official unveiling underscores NIWA’s commitment to innovation and sustainable development, a legacy further strengthened during the tenure of Oyebamiji, who is now the All Progressives Congress (APC) Governorship Candidate in Osun State.
In a joint statement, NIWA Lagos Area Manager, Engr. Sarat Braimah and Managing Director, Parts Central Limited, Henry Olaoluwa Onifade, said the Lagos unveiling is aimed at briefing stakeholders in Lagos on the benefits of the initiative and seeking their support and buy-in.
