Stakeholder urges Lagos State Govt to enhance security on waterways

Mr Ganiyu Balogun, the Managing Director of Tarzan Boats, has urged the Lagos State Government to improve the security on the state waterways by deploying more marine police there.

Balogun told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that enhanced security was imperative as armed robbers have been escaping from being cut through the waterways.

He said that beefing up security on the waterways would curtail the activities of sea pirates engaging in evil deeds on the waterways

“The action of sea pirates and robbers on the waterways is becoming increased and unbearable, “ Balogun said.

Balogun recalled that those robbers, who recently robbed banks at Ikorodu and FESTAC Towns in Lagos State, escaped through the waterways.

The government should find a lasting solution to this unpalatable development before it gets out of hands.

Robbers have been robbing on the mainland through the waterways, therefore, the state government should be proactive in addressing such situation, “ he said.

He said that the marine police manning the waterways were not sufficient to combat sea pirates; therefore, the government should deploy more officers on the waterways.

Balogun also urged the government to privatise the jetties across the state for proper management of operations on the waterways.

He lamented the poor conditions of the jetties across the state, adding that private investors would manage them profitably if they were handed over to them.

Balogun said some of the jetties include: Epe, Ikorodu, Osborne, Mile 2, Makoko, Ojo, Ajah, Victoria Island and Ikoyi.

He said that the state government should engage in Public Private Partnership (PPP) to develop the tourism industry.

The government cannot do it alone, it requires private sector participation to achieve its goals, especially on the hinterland,’’ he said.

He also said that if the government improved the transportation system on the waterways, it would dislodge gridlocks on the roads.

Balogun also advised the newly appointed Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism to collaborate with private investors in taking the industry to a greater height. (NAN)