NIWA clears Lagos waterways of hyacinths ahead of yuletide traffic

In preparation for increased water transportation during the Yuletide season, the National Inland Waterways Authority has commenced the clearance of water hyacinths from Lagos water channels.

In a statement released on Wednesday, NIWA noted that the initiative aims to ease transportation activities and enhance safety for waterway users.

The Lagos Area Manager of NIWA, Sarat Braimah, explained in the statement that the ongoing project will cover major Lagos channels with high boat traffic, starting with the Omu Creeks and Ikorodu Water Channels.

According to her, the Omu Creeks have already been cleared, while the Ikorodu channels will require at least a week of intensive clearing activities, including waste removal and disposal of invasive water plants.

NIWA officials

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 NIWA Lagos Area Manager also stated that the project will be extended to the Badagry and Apapa water channels, though the Ikorodu channel remains the current priority, as weeds spread to other parts of Lagos’ coastal communities from there.

“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.