The Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) has officially announced the reopening of the Ikorodu Ferry Terminal, marking a significant step in restoring full passenger services on the state's vital water routes. The terminal will resume full operations starting from Monday, January 19, 2026.
Terminal Closure and Navigational Concerns
In a statement released on Friday, Mr Oluwadamilola Emmanuel, the Special Adviser on Blue Economy to the Governor of Lagos State and Project Coordinator, provided the details. He confirmed that the terminal was initially closed down on Monday, October 20, 2025.
The primary reason for the shutdown was a severe navigational concern caused by water hyacinth infestation. This invasive plant species had overgrown the waterways, posing serious safety risks to ferry operations and necessitating the immediate suspension of services from the terminal.
Successful Clearance and Safety Assessments
During the closure period, ferry services for passengers were temporarily diverted to alternative locations to minimize disruption. Commuters were directed to use the Ibeshe Terminal and the Offin Jetty for their journeys.
Mr Emmanuel stated that the terminal is now cleared for a full return to business. This decision follows the successful clearance of the water hyacinth from the affected waterways. Furthermore, comprehensive safety assessments were conducted to ensure all navigational hazards were eliminated.
The authority also engaged in crucial consultations with the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) to align on safety protocols and operational standards before giving the green light for reopening.
Directive for Ferry Operators and Compliance
With the reopening date set, LASWA has issued a clear directive to all ferry operators and terminal users. Operators are instructed to resume normal services in strict accordance with their approved schedules from January 19th.
The Special Adviser emphasized the importance of adherence to established regulations. He urged all operators to ensure full compliance with all existing safety and operational requirements. This directive underscores LASWA's commitment to maintaining a secure and efficient waterways transportation system for the people of Lagos.
The reopening of the Ikorodu terminal is expected to significantly ease the commute for thousands of Lagos residents who rely on the water transport system, providing a faster and more reliable alternative to road traffic.
