NIWA Clears Lagos Waterways of Hyacinths to Ease Yuletide Traffic

To prepare for a surge in water transportation during the Christmas season, the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has begun removing water hyacinths from the waterways in Lagos.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, NIWA explained that the effort is designed to facilitate smoother transportation and improve safety for those using the waterways.

Sarat Braimah, the Lagos Area Manager for NIWA, stated that the ongoing work will target key Lagos channels with heavy boat traffic, starting with the Omu Creeks and Ikorodu Water Channels.

She further clarified that the Omu Creeks have been fully cleared, while the Ikorodu channels will require approximately one week of concentrated clearing, which includes removing waste and managing invasive aquatic plants.

Braimah emphasised that the effort aligns with the agency’s key operational mandate “to ensure smooth and safe navigation for boat operators and other stakeholders, particularly as traffic on the waterways is expected to increase during the Yuletide season.”

“As we approach the Christmas season, with an anticipated rise in boat traffic, we want to ensure everything is in order,” Braimah added.
She noted that the season also sees the resurgence of water hyacinths along the waterways in Lagos.

“It’s best to clear them proactively, even though the weeds can reappear. Our goal is to maintain safe passage for boat operations during and beyond the Yuletide,” she added.

The Lagos Area Manager of NIWA also mentioned that the project will be expanded to cover the Badagry and Apapa water channels, although the Ikorodu channel is currently the main focus, as weeds are spreading from there to other coastal areas of Lagos.

“We are working around the clock to sustain this effort, especially with our river marshals deployed to monitor boating operations during this period. It’s a costly and demanding project, but we are fully committed, with our staff out there daily to ensure its success,” Braimah added.