By Abdullahi Lukman
The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has identified ballast water from ships as the primary driver of water hyacinth infestations on Nigerian waterways, the Lagos Area Manager, Sarat Braimah, said on Monday.
Braimah made the statement during a water hyacinth clearing exercise at Ipakodo Jetty in Ikorodu, Lagos, which will continue for two months across the state.
She described the operation as a critical safety measure, aimed at protecting boats, ferries, and local livelihoods rather than a routine clean-up.
Ballast water, used to stabilize ships during voyages, can transfer invasive species, including water hyacinth, from one ecosystem to another.
The aquatic weed, native to South America, has appeared seasonally in Nigerian waters since the 1980s, obstructing navigation and damaging engines.
NIWA has deployed heavy machinery, including a Swamp Devil, to clear waterways, and plans to extend the campaign to Bayelsa, the Niger Delta, and other affected areas.
Braimah noted ongoing research to convert water hyacinth into useful products and highlighted collaboration with the Lagos State Waterways Authority to strengthen clearance efforts.
The exercise is part of the Federal Government’s broader intervention to ensure safe navigation, protect inland water transport, and minimise disruptions caused by the fast-spreading aquatic weed.
