The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has commenced a cleanup exercise across major jetties in Warri, Delta State, as part of efforts to enhance safety and improve inland water transportation.

The exercise, carried out by the management and staff of the Warri Area Office of NIWA, ran from Tuesday, December 9, 2025, to Monday, January 12, 2026. Three major jetties—Pessu Waterside, Main Market, and Ugbuwangue—were cleared of aquatic weeds, particularly water hyacinth, as well as floating nylons, plastics, drink cans, and accumulated refuse.

Speaking during the exercise, the Warri Area Manager of NIWA, Engr. Rufus Oladimeji, said the cleanup was in line with the authority’s mandate to ensure safe navigation and sustain inland water transport across the country.

“Due to the importance attached to this ongoing cleanup, we have been directed to sustain the exercise until the waterways are fully desilted and made navigable for boat operators plying these routes, in the interest of passenger safety,” Oladimeji said.

He further disclosed that NIWA management has committed to the desilting of the Pessu waterways, noting that water hyacinth—an invasive aquatic weed—has remained a major challenge, disrupting navigation, fishing activities, and local livelihoods in many Nigerian waterways.

Boat passengers and operators at the Ugbuwangue jetty have applauded the Warri NIWA office for initiating the cleanup exercise, calling on the Federal Government to ensure the sustainability of such operations nationwide to enhance the safety of commercial water transport.

Similarly, operators along the Pessu waterways in Warri South Local Government Area commended the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Hon. Adegboyega Oyetola, for his assurance to commence desilting of the waterways. They described the move as long overdue, saying it would significantly boost commercial activities in Warri and surrounding communities.