NIWA partners Parts Central to end indiscriminate dumping on waterways

The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), in collaboration with Parts Central Limited, has launched a new environmental initiative to combat indiscriminate dumping and pollution along Nigeria's inland waterways. This program is designed to pinpoint pollution sources, establish structured waste removal and recycling systems, enhance navigability, protect aquatic biodiversity, and generate employment opportunities for communities living along the rivers. Furthermore, the initiative is intended to bolster the growth of Nigeria's fisheries sector, aligning with the Federal Government's Blue Economy agenda.

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Making the blue economy work starts from making our waterways clean; if the waterways are clean, navigation will be easy. If the water is clean, it will create jobs for even our youth.

During the unveiling in Lagos, NIWA's Lagos Area Manager, Engr. Sarat Braimah, emphasized the critical role of clean waterways in realizing the potential of the Blue Economy. She stated, "Making the blue economy work starts from making our waterways clean; if the waterways are clean, navigation will be easy. If the water is clean, it will create jobs for even our youth." Braimah highlighted that approximately one-third of Lagos State is water, underscoring the importance of its waterways for economic activities and the livelihoods of its residents.

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Our waterways must not only be clean, they must be safe, productive and sustainable.

Henry Onifade, Managing Director of Parts Central Ltd, announced that the company would employ technology to cover waterfronts, landing ports, and jetties, asserting, "Our waterways must not only be clean, they must be safe, productive and sustainable." The Lagos State Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Ekundayo Alebiosu, noted that the initiative demonstrates the importance of collaboration between the Federal and Lagos State governments in safeguarding the state's waterways. He stressed that clean and safe waterways are fundamental for fishing, navigation, and the broader waterfront economy.

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the initiative underscored the importance of collaboration between the Federal and Lagos State governments in protecting the state’s waterways.

Deputy Commissioner of Police U.M. Ogechi, representing the Assistant Inspector-General of Police for the Maritime Police, underscored the economic significance of maritime activities in Nigeria. He warned that polluted waterways pose risks to aquatic life, boat operators, and passengers. Mrs. Bolaji Mustapha, President of the National Association of Nigerian Travel Operators (NATOP), described clean and safe waterways as essential for developing water-based tourism. High Chief Lateef Rufai, the Odofin of Onisiwo, welcomed the initiative, pointing out that waste dumped into waterways frequently washes ashore in waterfront communities.

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clean and safe waterways as essential to developing water-based tourism.