1000 Days After Re- launch Of Lagos Ferry’s Operations
BETWEEN
February 10, 2020, when the commercial operations of Lagos Ferry Services was launched by Governor BabajidesanwoOlu at Badore Terminal, Ajaheti- Osa and March 19, 2024; it has been an eventful journey of 1000th day of commuting residents and visitors on Lagos inland waterways, the Managing Director, Lagos Ferry Services, Abdoulbaqladibalogun, has said.
Despite months of lockdown occasioned by the global outbreak of Coronavirus and the destructive # Endsars protest, the state- owned commercial ferry operator – Lagos Ferry Services was able to navigate the murky water, positively changing the narratives.
Commercial water transportation in Lagos State can be traced to the 1970s, when the state was still the federal capital of Nigeria. Then the Federal Inland Revenue Service ( FIRS) operated ferry services to Apapa, CMS, Ebute- Ero and other locations within the city. Later, the state government under the Lateefjakande administration also came up with its ferry service when it purchased two large ferry boats, “Baba Kekere” and “Itafaji” operating along the Mile 2 to Apapa, CMS, Elegbata ( Ebute- Ero) corridor.
Also, former Governor Babatundefashola commissioned and operated ferry services from the following terminals; Ebuteojo Terminal ( Now Sifax Terminal), Ipakodo Ferry Terminal ( Ikorodu), Badore Ferry Terminal and Osborne Ferry Terminal with two units of 54pax Aluminum boats while former
Governor Akinwunmiambode commissioned the Ilajebariga Waterfront Terminal with four units catamaran boats with a car barge ( Adimuorisa).
Under Governor Babajidesanwo- Olu, the reinvigorated Lagos Ferry Services is running water transport in 24 routes from 16 terminals/ jetties with 19 commercial boats. Aside from this, the state government is rehabilitating and constructing 15 new terminals/ jetties across the state, along with dredging of routes, channelisation, as well as removal of wreckages and water hyacinths.
The primary objective of Lagos ferry is to provide safe, efficient, and reliable water transportation services to the people of the state.
Speaking on the activities of Lagos Ferry Services, its Managing Director, Abdoulbaqladibalogun, said the state has made significant efforts to improve and develop the water transportation sector in the state.
Balogun added that this has been done through motivated workforce and competent professional.
“Lagos ferry to date has ferried over 1million passengers since its re- launched on February 6, 2020, enabled innovative logistics solutions for industries and corporate Lagos through cargo barge operation, recently constructed and completed a state
of- the- art, modern floating pontoon at CMSMarina to provide a convenient berthing point and interconnectivity movement of the blue rail and bus rapid transport system for commuting residents and visitors alike.
“It also constructed well- equipped E- Fleet Surveillance systems with modern technology to monitor boat arrival and take off on the waterways.
“The state government has made strategic investments in ensuring the availability of amenities like well- equipped and furnished as well as state- of- the- art terminals, jetties, ticketing booths, waiting areas and security measures to improve the overall passenger experience.
“Furthermore, efforts have been made to improve last- mile connectivity by providing connectivity between waterways and other modes of transportation, such as buses and motorcycles.”
Balogun added that the Standard Model of Water Transportation under Governor Sanwo- Olu’s administration has worked towards developing a standard model for water transportation in thestate.