Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
Lagos, Nigeria — The Ikorodu Ferry Terminal will resume passenger ferry operations on Monday, January 19, 2026, following months of closure caused by dense mats of water hyacinth that severely impeded navigation and posed a safety risk to commuters, authorities announced on Friday.
The Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA), in a statement issued to the public, confirmed that the terminal — one of the busiest on the state’s inland waterways — had been shut since October 20, 2025, when thick infestations of water hyacinth made it unsafe for ferries to operate along the route.
During the prolonged closure, passenger services were temporarily diverted to alternative locations, including the Ibeshe Terminal and the Offin Jetty, to maintain limited ferry operations for commuters reliant on water transport.
LASWA said the decision to restore full operations came after the successful removal of the obstructive hyacinth, completion of necessary waterway safety assessments, and consultations with the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) to ensure the stretch of water is navigable and safe for passenger traffic.
In its communique, the agency directed all ferry operators to resume normal services in line with approved schedules and emphasised the importance of strict compliance with all safety and operational requirements.
The closure had underscored ongoing challenges posed by invasive water hyacinth, which can entangle boat propellers, slow vessels and force operators to forge through thick vegetation — conditions that not only delay services but also risk mechanical damage and reduce commuter confidence in water transport.
Commuters and residents welcomed the announcement, expressing relief that waterway travel will once again be an option for daily movement between Ikorodu and other parts of Lagos, particularly as the state continues to promote waterways as a viable alternative to congested road travel.
The reopening also follows broader efforts by NIWA and other authorities in recent months to clear invasive hyacinth and maintain navigable channels, part of a concerted strategy to support Lagos’s water transportation network and safeguard the safety of passengers and operators alike.
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