The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Lagos Office, has launched a massive clearance operation to remove water hyacinth from key waterways in preparation for increased boat traffic during the upcoming yuletide season. The initiative aims to improve the safety and efficiency of waterway transport as boat movements are expected to rise during the holiday period.

The operation, which began with the clearing of Omu Creek, will extend to the Ikorodu Water Channels, a critical route for boat operators. The clearance at Ikorodu is expected to take at least a week, with additional efforts focusing on the removal and proper disposal of the invasive seaweed.

Engineer Sarat Braimah, the Lagos Area Manager of NIWA, emphasized that the operation is part of the agency’s core responsibilities to ensure safe and smooth waterway operations. She highlighted the significance of proactively addressing the water hyacinth problem, which tends to reemerge around this time of year, posing risks to boating activities.

“We are doing what is necessary as we approach the Christmas holiday season, which sees a surge in boat transport activities. Although water hyacinth can regrow, we are taking proactive steps to ensure boats have a safe passage,” Braimah stated.

In addition to the ongoing work in Omu Creek and Ikorodu, the clearance will be expanded to the Badagry and Apapa water channels. The Ikorodu water channel is currently a priority due to the weed’s spread to other parts of Lagos’ littoral communities.

Braimah further reassured that the agency’s efforts will be supported by the deployment of River Marshals, who will monitor boating activities throughout the season to prevent accidents. “This is a demanding and costly project, but our team is committed and working tirelessly to ensure the safety of the waterways,” she concluded.