As part of preparations for the anticipated increase in waterway traffic during the Yuletide season, the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has commenced clearing water hyacinths from key Lagos water channels.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, NIWA highlighted that this initiative is designed to ease water transportation and enhance safety for users during the festive period. The Lagos Area Manager for NIWA, Sarat Braimah, provided details on the project, explaining that it covers major channels with high boat traffic, beginning with the Omu Creeks and Ikorodu Water Channels.
Braimah noted that the Omu Creeks have already been cleared, while the Ikorodu channel will require at least a week of intensive clearing, including the removal and disposal of invasive plants and other debris. She emphasized that this effort aligns with NIWA’s core 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 stated, adding that the holiday season often brings a resurgence of water hyacinths on Lagos waterways.
“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 project will extend to other Lagos water channels, including those in Badagry and Apapa, though the Ikorodu channel remains the immediate priority as invasive weeds spread from there to other coastal areas.
“We are working around the clock to sustain this effort, especially with our river marshals monitoring 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 affirmed.
