Onifade: Transforming Waterway Waste into Economic Value
Henry Olaoluwa Onifade, the Managing Director of Parts Central Limited, has stated that Nigeria possesses the capacity to convert the increasing amount of plastic refuse, water hyacinth, and various marine debris obstructing its waterways into economic assets. This transformation can be achieved through methods such as recycling, the production of biofuels, and other processes that add value.
Onifade made these remarks in Lagos during a discussion with maritime journalists, held as part of his birthday celebrations. He also used the occasion to update them on Parts Central's recently inaugurated national waterways clean-up campaign, conducted in collaboration with the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA).
Emphasizing that "waste is no longer a liability; it is now an asset," Onifade clarified that the initiative aims beyond simply clearing debris from Nigeria's waterways. Its core purpose is to establish sustainable frameworks for transforming collected materials into valuable commodities.
He elaborated that organic waste gathered during the clean-up operation would not be disposed of indiscriminately. Instead, it would undergo processing for diverse applications, such as biofuels and other commodities.
Furthermore, he mentioned that the company is exploring technologies for sorting and processing plastic refuse for recycling. He underscored that the primary goal is to foster an economically sustainable circular economy centered on Nigeria's waterways.
Onifade observed that the increasing engagement from government bodies, ministries, associations, and other interested parties regarding cleaner waterways signals that the initiative is tackling a crucial national issue. He also pointed out that the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) is collaborating with stakeholders to mitigate plastic contamination in aquatic environments.
"We are pleased that the concept of pollution-free waterways is being envisioned and implemented," he stated. "Since its launch, we have received positive feedback and engagement from various individuals, associations, organizations, and states, which is highly encouraging for our efforts."
"Our primary objective is to achieve aquatic environments free from contamination," he affirmed. "We aim to incorporate all individuals who genuinely believe in the feasibility of pollution-free waterways across Nigeria."
Onifade further revealed that Parts Central is currently creating a technologically advanced database encompassing ports, jetties, landing areas, riverbanks, dockyards, and other locations linked to Nigeria's inland water systems. This database, he explained, will empower the company and pertinent government agencies to ascertain the quantity of waste produced at various sites and to allocate resources more efficiently.
He added that each jetty and landing port would undergo evaluation to determine the availability of suitable waste-management infrastructure. Additionally, vessels and other watercraft would be integrated into the data collection methodology. "Acquiring this data is essential," he emphasized, "as without information regarding the populations one intends to serve, effective provision of services is impossible."
Onifade elaborated that the company has dedicated substantial effort to evaluating various technologies and devices designed to combat aquatic pollution. He further noted that this endeavor would ultimately involve manufacturers and other participants within the plastics and waste-management supply chain.
He also announced that Parts Central is making preparations to expand the clean-up campaign beyond Lagos. Plans include initiating the waterways clean-up operation in Port Harcourt and Imo State, signifying a wider national expansion. Onifade stated that the company is presently establishing organizational frameworks to guarantee the initiative's effective coordination and data-driven support prior to its rollout in more areas.
He emphasized that the overarching long-term objective is to establish a nationwide framework where waterways are not merely purer, but also serve as catalysts for employment, business ventures, and economic prosperity.
"Our aim is to achieve waterways devoid of pollution," he reiterated. He further added that the company intends to maintain collaboration with government bodies, local communities, private enterprises, and other relevant parties to attain this goal.
Onifade also justified his shift from partisan political engagement to a business career, explaining that his political experience enhanced his comprehension of societal requirements and spurred him to implement practical solutions via entrepreneurial endeavors. "I transitioned my focus from the political sphere to the business domain," he remarked.
He encouraged Nigerians to adopt the idea of transforming environmental problems into economic prospects. He concluded by asserting: "The waterways will no longer bear waste; instead, they will generate prosperity."
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