The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has launched a major initiative to clear water hyacinths and other debris from Lagos’ busy water channels.
The clearance project, which began this week, is part of efforts to ensure smooth and safe navigation for boat operators and passengers as holiday travel ramps up.
According to a statement released on Wednesday, November 13, the Lagos Area Manager of NIWA, Sarat Braimah, explained that the ongoing project will focus on key waterways in Lagos with heavy boat traffic, starting with the Omu Creeks and Ikorodu Water Channels.
The Omu Creeks have already been cleared, while intensive clearing activities are now underway in the Ikorodu channel, which is expected to take at least a week to complete. These efforts will involve the removal of invasive water hyacinths as well as waste disposal, in line with the agency’s safety and navigation mandate.
Braimah highlighted that the Yuletide season, typically marked by a rise in water transport, also sees a resurgence of water hyacinths along the city’s waterways.
These aquatic weeds, which can obstruct boat traffic and pose safety hazards, are particularly problematic during this period. She noted that while the hyacinths often reappear, the proactive clearance effort is essential to ensure safe passage for all waterway users, particularly as traffic on the waterways is expected to increase.
“As we approach the Christmas season, with an anticipated rise in boat traffic, we want to ensure everything is in order,” Braimah said.
“We are working diligently to clear the waterways of weeds and waste, allowing for smoother navigation during the holiday period and beyond.”
The ongoing project, which is being carried out by NIWA staff and river marshals, will extend beyond the Ikorodu channels to other high-traffic areas such as the Badagry and Apapa water channels.
However, the Ikorodu channel remains the top priority, as it serves as a major route from which weeds spread to other parts of Lagos’ coastal communities.
Braimah acknowledged that the project is resource-intensive and requires significant manpower, but assured that NIWA is fully committed to ensuring the waterways are ready for the festive season.
“It’s a costly and demanding project, but we are fully committed, with our staff out there daily to ensure its success,” Braimah added.
“Our river marshals are also closely monitoring the situation to maintain safety and order as we head into the busy holiday period.”
With the project set to continue over the next several weeks, boat operators and passengers in Lagos are expected to benefit from safer, more navigable waterways during the high-demand Yuletide season.
The clearance effort is just one part of NIWA’s broader mission to enhance water transportation safety and infrastructure across Nigeria’s inland waterways.
