By Seun Ibiyemi
The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining clean, safe and sustainable inland waterways as Nigeria joined the rest of the world to commemorate the 2026 World Environment Day.
The Acting Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NIWA, Umar Yusuf Girei, made the commitment in a statement issued at the Authority’s headquarters in Lokoja to mark the annual global event.
This year’s celebration, themed “Urbanisation and Climate Change: Building Resilient Cities for a Sustainable Future,” highlights the growing environmental pressures associated with rapid urban expansion and the increasing impacts of climate change.
Girei noted that many Nigerian cities are expanding around waterways, which continue to serve as critical hubs for commerce, transportation, culture and economic activities.
However, he cautioned that unchecked urbanisation poses serious environmental challenges, including rising temperatures, flooding and erosion.
According to him, inland waterways represent an important natural infrastructure capable of supporting climate adaptation and urban resilience efforts.
“Properly managed rivers and channels can help reduce flooding by serving as natural drainage pathways while also providing a cleaner and lower-carbon alternative for the movement of goods and passengers,” he said.
The NIWA boss reiterated the Authority’s commitment to responsible dredging operations, riverbank protection and continuous efforts to prevent pollution and indiscriminate waste disposal in waterways across the country.
He stressed that safeguarding the environment requires collective action, urging citizens, communities and stakeholders to actively support environmental conservation initiatives.
Girei called on Nigerians to dispose of waste responsibly, plant trees along riverbanks, report illegal dredging and encroachment activities, and participate in efforts aimed at protecting the nation’s water resources.
He also encouraged greater adoption of water transportation, describing it as a safer, more environmentally friendly and sustainable alternative to road transport.
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The NIWA chief emphasized that building resilient cities in the face of climate change demands collaboration between government agencies, private sector operators and citizens, adding that the Authority remains committed to policies and programmes that promote environmental sustainability and the long-term viability of Nigeria’s inland waterways.
As the world marks World Environment Day 2026, NIWA said it would continue to champion initiatives that balance economic development with environmental protection, ensuring that inland waterways remain valuable assets for future generations.
