The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) in collaboration with Parts Central Limited is set to officially unveil a pioneering environmental initiative aimed at cleaning up the country’s inland waterways.

The initiative, scheduled for unveiling in Lagos on August 18, 2026, will deploy structured systems for the removal of waste and its conversion into economic value.

In a joint statement by the NIWA Lagos Area Manager, Sarat Braimah and the Managing Director, Parts Central Limited, Henry Onifade, the unveiling is aimed at briefing stakeholders in Lagos on the benefits of the initiative and to seek their support and buy-in.

According to the statement, the project is expected to promote environmental sustainability while creating employment opportunities for communities living along the waterways.

The which was developed by both organisations, was conceived under the leadership of the immediate past Managing Director of NIWA, Bola Oyebamiji, who is now the All Progressives Congress, APC, Governorship Candidate in Osun State.

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 statement noted that 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.

The statement said it will also contribute significantly to the growth of Nigeria’s fisheries economy.

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 statement added that the official unveiling underscores NIWA’s commitment to innovation and sustainable development.