Lagos woos commuters to water transportation

The Lagos State Government has urged Lagosians to harness the potential of water transportation to reduce traffic congestion on roads.

Speaking during a stakeholders’ meeting organised by Lagos Ferry Service (LAGFERRY) to sensitise people of Ojo Local Government Area, on the essence of water transportation, the Managing Director, LAGFERRY, Ladi Balogun, said Lagos was turning to a modern water transportation system as part of an integrated transport system to unclog the city’s roads.

He said the implementation and operation of LAGFERRY was a viable strategy to improve water transportation with an environmentally friendly ferry system.

“At the inception of this administration, when LAGFERRY started its commercial operation in February this year, we started with 12 passenger boats and one cargo ferry, but the Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has approved seven more boats, which are currently going through the acquisition process.

“Before the end of the year, be assured that the fleet of LAGFERRY will have nothing less than 20 boats taking passengers and cargo for businesses,” he said.

He urged investors to invest in ferry services, noting that the state government had created an enabling environment.

He assured of passengers’ safety, saying: “For every area of operation of LAGFERRY, safety is paramount. Our priority is to ensure the safe transportation of all passengers to their destinations. Part of the safety measures put in place includes an insurance package for every passenger coming to board the LAGFERRY boat. Passengers are insured, they have an insurance package that covers them.”

Ojo Local government Chairman, Olushola Rosulu Idowu, commended the effort of the state government on expanding the water transit services, which he said would enhance commuters’ movement.

Lecturer School of Transport Lagos State University, Ogochukwu Ugboma, lamented the chaotic situation on the roads.

She said, to ease the burden of transportation in the state, there was the need to explore the use of water transportation.

“We need a lot of advocacy on the use of water transportation because cultural Nigerians have a phobia for water. A lot of people have freight, so we need to give a lot of education and enlightenment. We need to put law enforcement on water, so those unskilled operators will not be found on the water, risking the life of individuals and commuters.” She said.