The Lagos Area Office of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) on Friday deployed a task force to map out strategic operational measures to tackle the buildup of water weeds, known as water hyacinth, along the Ikorodu axis.

The move is part of proactive efforts to prevent the menace from disrupting boat transportation and other waterway activities in the littoral communities.

The NIWA team, supported by heavy-duty equipment including swamp devils, harvesters, and other relevant machinery, has commenced preliminary clearing operations around Ebute Ikorodu and Ikpakodo ferry terminal.

The exercise is intended to ensure that the waterways remain navigable and free from obstructions caused by the invasive aquatic weed.

The Lagos Area Manager of NIWA, Sarat Braimah, explained that the deployment of the task force is a preventive measure designed to guarantee the smooth movement of goods and passengers through the Ikorodu waterways. This zone often experiences recurring infestations of water hyacinth.

“We have carefully studied the pattern and spread of the water hyacinth phenomenon and have chosen to act swiftly to mitigate its impact before it causes disruption to boat and ferry operations.

“Beyond transportation, we are also mindful of the effects on local fishing activities. The earlier we address the problem, the better,” Braimah stated.

She said the Managing Director of Niwa, Mr. Bola Oyebamiji, has awarded the contract to tackle the menace of water hyacinth across the country to ensure smooth passage of movement of goods and passengers.

“I will personally be on the ground throughout the week to monitor the progress of the operation by the contractors,” she added.

According to its website, the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), hitherto Inland Waterways Department (IWD) of the Federal Ministry of Transport, metamorphosed into an Authority vide an act of the National Assembly, CAP 47, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria (LFN), 2004 (Decree No. 13 of 1997), established with the primary responsibility to improve and develop Nigeria’s inland waterways for navigation.

It was established to enhance and develop inland waterways for navigation, provide an alternative transportation mode for evacuating economic goods and people, undertake capital and maintenance dredging, operate ferry services within the inland waterways system, and execute the objectives of the national transport policy concerning inland waterways.

NIWA is deliberately structured to run like a well-oiled machine and deliver on its core functions to the satisfaction of stakeholders in the waterways subsector of the Nigerian economy.