NIWA Launches Water Hyacinth Clearance Across Nigerian Waterways to Protect Local Communities and Ecosystems
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The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has begun a comprehensive campaign to clear water hyacinth from inland waterways across Nigeria’s littoral states, starting with Lagos and soon extending to Bayelsa, Niger, Delta, and other regions. The initiative aims to ensure safe and uninterrupted navigation, protect livelihoods, and maintain the sustainability of inland water transport.
Water hyacinth, an invasive aquatic weed originally from the Amazon Basin, has been spreading through Nigerian waterways since the 1980s. It reappears seasonally between July and December, often choking waterways, obstructing boats, and affecting fisheries impacting the daily lives of boat operators and riverine communities.
Speaking at the flag off of the clearance exercise at Ipakodo jetty, Ikorodu, the Lagos Area Manager of NIWA, Engr. Sarat Braimah, emphasized that the exercise is a safety and livelihood intervention, not merely a routine clean-up. “If boats navigate through this invasive weed, engines can be damaged, and water users face serious risks. Our operations are a direct support to commuters and boat operators who rely on these waterways daily,” she said.
The Lagos Area Office deployed heavy duty equipment, including a “Swamp Devil”, to cut through dense vegetation and restore safe passage for ferries and cargo vessels. The agency also highlighted ongoing research and collaboration efforts to transform water hyacinth into economic opportunities. Lessons from Wisconsin, USA, indicate that the weed can be used to produce items such as bags, furniture, and herbal products. NIWA is working with the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) to explore similar possibilities locally.
Engr. Braimah assured that while complete eradication may not be possible, NIWA’s proactive response will minimise disruptions and improve safety each season. “We are turning a recurring challenge into an opportunity protecting communities, safeguarding livelihoods, and exploring ways to convert this invasive weed into valuable resources,” she concluded.