The Lagos State Government has announced that the Ikorodu Ferry Terminal will officially reopen for passenger operations on Monday, January 19, 2026, ending months of disruption caused by dense water hyacinth along key navigation routes.

The update was confirmed in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Lagos State Waterways Authority, LASWA, which said the reopening follows sustained clearing efforts and improved safety conditions on the waterways serving Ikorodu and its surrounding corridors.

The Ikorodu Ferry Terminal is one of the busiest water transport hubs in Lagos, serving thousands of commuters daily who rely on ferry services to bypass the city’s chronic road congestion. Its closure, which began several months ago, was attributed to the aggressive spread of water hyacinth that made safe navigation impossible for commercial ferries.

According to LASWA, the reopening signals that waterways linking Ikorodu to destinations such as Falomo, CMS, and other strategic terminals are now navigable again, following collaboration with relevant state agencies and private operators to remove the invasive aquatic plant.

LASWA explained that the prolonged closure was necessary to protect passengers, operators, and equipment, as water hyacinth had significantly reduced visibility and increased the risk of accidents on the waterways. The authority said mechanical clearing, continuous monitoring, and preventive measures were deployed to ensure the terminal can resume operations safely.

The agency assured commuters that safety checks have been completed at the Ikorodu Ferry Terminal, including inspections of docking infrastructure, passenger waiting areas, and navigational routes. Ferry operators have also been directed to comply strictly with safety regulations, including passenger limits, life jacket usage, and scheduled departure times.

The reopening is expected to bring relief to Ikorodu residents who were forced back onto already congested road networks during the closure. Many commuters had complained about longer travel times, increased transport costs, and reduced productivity as a result of the suspension of ferry services.

While the announcement was welcomed by several residents and water transport users, social media reactions reflected mixed feelings. Some commuters expressed optimism that water transportation in Lagos is gradually becoming more reliable, while others questioned why the water hyacinth problem continues to recur annually despite repeated clearing exercises.

A number of Lagos residents on X and Instagram also urged the state government to adopt a more permanent solution to water hyacinth management, warning that temporary clearing efforts could lead to another shutdown if preventive systems are not sustained. Others called for better communication from authorities whenever disruptions occur, especially for commuters who depend solely on ferry services for work and school.

LASWA, however, maintained that long-term strategies are being explored to reduce the reoccurrence of water hyacinth across Lagos waterways, noting that climate conditions and tidal movements contribute to the plant’s rapid spread.

As the January 19 reopening date approaches, commuters have been advised to arrive early, follow official schedules, and remain patient as operations gradually return to full capacity. The Ikorodu Ferry Terminal reopening is expected to significantly ease movement for residents and reinforce the state government’s push to expand water transportation as a viable alternative in Lagos.