The Ikorodu Ferry Terminal in Lagos will officially reopen for passenger operations on Monday, January 19, 2026, after nearly three months of closure caused by water hyacinth infestation.
The Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) confirmed that safety checks and clearance of the waterways have been completed, paving the way for full resumption of services.
The Ikorodu Ferry Terminal, one of Lagos State’s busiest water transport hubs, was shut down on October 20, 2025, after dense water hyacinth made navigation unsafe.
The aquatic weed, notorious for clogging waterways, had spread across the Ikorodu channel, disrupting ferry operations and posing risks to passenger safety.
During the closure, services were diverted to Ibeshe Terminal and Offin Jetty, which helped maintain limited connectivity for commuters traveling between Ikorodu and central Lagos.
Water hyacinth infestation has long been a recurring challenge on Lagos waterways, particularly during the rainy season when the weed spreads rapidly.
LASWA, in collaboration with the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), deployed clearance teams and mechanical harvesters to remove the weeds.
The reopening of the Ikorodu Terminal signals the success of these efforts and reflects the state’s growing investment in water transport as a viable alternative to road congestion.
Reopening and Future Prospects
Announcing the reopening, Mr. Oluwadamilola Emmanuel, Special Adviser on Blue Economy to the Governor of Lagos State and Project Coordinator, said the terminal had passed all safety assessments and was now cleared for full operations.
He directed ferry operators to resume services in line with their approved schedules and emphasized strict compliance with safety and operational requirements.
The reopening is expected to ease pressure on alternative jetties and restore convenience for thousands of daily commuters who rely on the Ikorodu route.
The terminal is strategically important because Ikorodu serves as a gateway for residents traveling to business districts such as Marina, CMS, and Falomo, reducing travel time compared to road transport, which is often gridlocked.
Beyond reopening, LASWA has been working to expand Lagos’ water transport infrastructure.
The state currently operates several major ferry terminals, including Five Cowries Terminal in Falomo, Badore Terminal, and Ebute Ojo Terminal, with plans to commission more facilities under the Blue Economy initiative.
The government has also partnered with private operators to increase the fleet of passenger ferries, aiming to make water transport a mainstream option for Lagos residents.
Officials say the reopening of Ikorodu Terminal is not just about restoring services but also about reinforcing Lagos’ vision of a multi-modal transport system that integrates road, rail, and waterways.
With over 22 million residents, Lagos faces mounting pressure on its road networks, and water transport is increasingly seen as a sustainable solution to ease traffic, reduce travel time, and cut carbon emissions.
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