LAGOS STATE GOVERNMENT REFUNDS 145 FORMER SUBSCRIBERS OF EGAN HOUSING ESTATE
admin Commercial operations of the Lagos Ferry Service (LAGFERRY) re-launched on February 10, 2020, as one arm of the intermodal transportation system promised by the Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration. On March 19, 2024, the service marked its 1,000th journey. OYEBOLA OWOLABI writes that the LAGFERRY is living up to its responsibility of giving Lagosians a beautiful water travelling experience.
Mr. Robert Egbe, who lived in the Ikorodu axis of Lagos State, travelled by water whenever he had cause to go to CMS, where he would link other parts of Lagos Island. This he did about three times a week and for about three years. Did he enjoy the trips? He affirmed he did.
“There are compulsory life jackets for every passenger and the ticketing process is quite organised. The Lagos State-owned boats are even better, bigger, safer and more spacious. They are pleasant to ride on. You almost won’t notice you’re on the water when the boat is moving. I would always choose to travel by water within Lagos because it certainly beats road travel.”
Egbe is not alone in this experience. Mary Obi, who lives in Ajah also has cause to travel by water.
“At first, I didn’t buy the idea because of the fear of water. But after trying it about two times, I am now comfortable travelling by water. First is the comfort and ease one enjoys on the boats. I don’t have to hold my breath because of the odour oozing out from the dirty armpit of a co-passenger.
“Another reason that makes a ride on water pleasurable is the fact that there is no traffic congestion. I would encourage people to try water transportation because it is safe and fast,” she said.
Another passenger, Fatai Mumuni, said he uses the service twice weekly and going to about three years now. “Water transportation is faster and safer for sure. It is better than road travel and I urge Lagosians to try it,” he said.
These testimonies, perhaps, demonstrate the government’s intention to fully re-invigorate the Lagos Ferry Services (LAGFERRY) as part of its intermodal transportation system.
Currently, the Ferry Service operates 24 routes from 16 terminals/jetties, with 19 commercial boats. The government is also rehabilitating and constructing 15 new terminals/jetties across the state, dredging routes, removing wreckages and water hyacinths, among other efforts to make the service better.
Between February 10, 2020, when commercial operations of the LAGFERRY were launched at the Badore Terminal in Ajah, and March 19, 2024, the service has undertaken 1,000 eventful journeys of commuting Lagos residents and businesses on the inland waterways. It has also ferried over one million passengers.
The primary objective of LAGFERRY is to provide safe, efficient and reliable water transportation services to the residents of Lagos.
According to Governor Sanwo-Olu, the vision is to be the go-to model and alpha solution provider in the business of water transportation, which aligns with this administration’s T.H.E.M.E.S PLUS agenda which was aimed at enabling intermodal movement options, promotion of commerce and tourism, through the provision of safe, efficient and technology-driven ferry services manned by competent workforce to ensure environmental sustainability.
He further said: “To also facilitate seamless water transportation, the government has invested in the establishment and renovation of terminals, landings, floating jetties and other infrastructure along various waterways. These terminals serve as key transit points, enabling commuters to board and disembark comfortably and safely.
“However, transforming the sector has not been without challenges. Inadequate infrastructure, encroachment on waterways, insufficient public awareness, insufficient boats/ferries, as well as the need for increased security and safety measures, are some of the challenges which try to undermine government’s efforts.”
However, Governor Sanwo-Olu, to achieve the vision of transforming the sector, has assembled a team of experienced and dedicated professionals, according to the General Manager of LAGFERRY, Abdoulbaq Ladi Balogun.
“They are experts in maritime, transport and urban planning, work together to comprehensively assess the existing infrastructure and bottlenecks. They also collaborate with stakeholders to identify the key challenges and develop strategies for improvement.
“The process involves consultations with experts, public hearings and a detailed feasibility study to execute the government’s plans effectively and efficiently, thus paving the way for a blue economy,”
Continuing, Balogun said: “The government, however, remains committed to addressing these challenges through sustained efforts and collaborations with relevant stakeholders (LASWA, NIWA, Marine Police and Navy). The collaboration has ensured adequate security and swift and prompt emergency response on the waterways.
“The development of water transportation in Lagos State goes hand in hand with the optimisation of the blue economy. By harnessing the potential of the waterways, the state is creating employment opportunities and economic growth in industries such as fishing, aquaculture, tourism and maritime activities.
“In addition to the infrastructure improvements and technological advancements, the government has also encouraged creative initiatives to promote water transportation. These include cultural events such as Lagos Water Regatta, weddings, tourism campaigns, and educational programmes that highlight the historical and environmental significance of Lagos’ waterways. By fostering community engagement, the initiatives aim to increase public appreciation for water transportation.
“The transformation of this sector has significant implications for the economy. The increased use of waterways reduces the pressure on road infrastructure, leading to cost savings and improved efficiency.
“Moreover, the growth of the blue economy further contributes to the state’s GDP, attracting investment and promoting economic diversification.
“A crucial aspect of the transformation of water transportation is the integration of multiple transport modes. This integration allows for seamless connectivity among roads, rails and waterways; providing commuters with convenient and efficient travel options.
“By developing an integrated multi-modal transport system, the government aims at reducing reliance on private vehicles and alleviating traffic congestion in Lagos State. With the commencement of operations of the blue and red line rails, commuters have been given transport movement options to their respective destinations.”
To further enhance the overall water transportation experience, the government has embraced technological innovations. They include the implementation of modern ticketing systems, real-time tracking and monitoring of vessels and the development of user-friendly mobile applications for trip planning and information dissemination.
They make water transportation more accessible, reliable, and appealing to commuters.
Water transportation in Lagos caters for a diverse range of passengers with different backgrounds. From daily commuters to tourists and business travellers, the water transport system offers a convenient and efficient mode of travel. Its inclusive approach has also ensured that the needs and preferences of all passengers are taken into consideration.
Water transportation in Lagos State began in the 1970s when Lagos was still Nigeria’s federal capital city.
The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) then operated ferry services to Apapa, CMS, Ebute-Ero and other locations. Later, the state government, under the Lateef Jakande administration, came up with its ferry service when it purchased ferry boats ‘Baba Kekere’ and ‘Ita Faji,’ which operated from Mile 2 to Apapa, CMS and Elegbata (Ebute-Ero).
Former Governor Babatunde Fashola inaugurated and operated ferry services from Ebute Ojo Terminal (Now Sifax Terminal), Ipakodo Ferry Terminal (Ikorodu), Badore Ferry Terminal and Osborne Ferry Terminal with two units of 54pax Aluminium boats, while former Governor Akinwunmi Ambode inaugurated the Ilaje-Bariga Waterfront Terminal with four units of Catamaran Boat with one Car Barge (Adamu Orisa).
