Nigeria launches major Inland Waterways restoration project to boost investment, Blue Economy

By Ezurike Ugochukwu

A major environmental restoration programme aimed at transforming Nigeria’s inland waterways and unlocking the vast potential of the nation’s blue economy is set to commence following the engagement of indigenous environmental solutions firm, Parts Central Limited.

The engagement no doubt aims at  provide strategic oversight and implementation support for the initiative.

Asiwaju Oyebamiji

The project, conceived during the tenure of the immediate past Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Asiwaju Bola Oyebamiji, is designed to address mounting environmental challenges affecting Nigeria’s waterways while promoting safer navigation, economic growth and sustainable development.

The initiative is expected to tackle widespread pollution caused by indiscriminate waste disposal, oil spills and other forms of environmental degradation that have continued to threaten inland water transportation, aquatic ecosystems and the livelihoods of communities along Nigeria’s waterways.

According to project proponents, the programme will adopt a structured and sustainable approach to identifying major pollution sources, removing accumulated waste and introducing innovative waste-to-wealth solutions capable of generating employment and economic opportunities for residents of riverine communities.

Beyond environmental remediation, the project is expected to improve navigational safety by eliminating debris and other obstacles that impede the movement of vessels and watercraft across the nation’s inland waterways.

Stakeholders believe the intervention will also strengthen the fisheries sector through the preservation of aquatic resources, enhance water transportation efficiency and support the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda for the Marine and Blue Economy sector.

The initiative further seeks to reposition Nigeria’s inland waterways as viable destinations for local and foreign investment by promoting environmental sustainability and improving the overall operating environment for businesses within the maritime and transport sectors.

Experts have noted that cleaner waterways could stimulate tourism, expand commercial activities, improve logistics and unlock significant economic value from Nigeria’s largely underutilised inland water transport network.

Speaking ahead of the project rollout, Managing Director of Parts Central Limited, Henry Olaoluwa Onifade, described the programme as a landmark intervention that would redefine environmental management across Nigeria’s waterways.

He assured stakeholders that the project would be executed with professionalism, transparency and a strong commitment to sustainability.

Onifade

“This initiative represents a significant milestone in the effort to restore and preserve Nigeria’s inland waterways. We are committed to delivering measurable environmental impact while creating long-term economic opportunities for communities and businesses that depend on these waterways,” Onifade said.

He stressed that collaboration among government institutions, private sector operators, host communities, environmental organisations and maritime stakeholders would be critical to achieving the project’s objectives.

Onifade expressed confidence that with sustained support and collective participation, the initiative would deliver cleaner, safer and more productive waterways, setting a new benchmark for environmental stewardship and waterway management in Nigeria.

Industry observers have described the project as a timely intervention capable of accelerating the development of Nigeria’s blue economy by improving environmental conditions, encouraging investment and enhancing the efficiency of inland water transportation across the country.