Lagos Renovates, Upgrades Ikorodu Ferry Terminal
Bennett Oghifo
Lagos State Government has upgraded the facility in its ferry terminal at Ipakodo in Ikorodu in line with its resolve to exploit its intermodal – road, rail and water – transportation system.
The renovation of the terminal is expected to present a “robust and accessible hub for the water transportation and other ancillary services that would engender convenience and safety, efficiency and effectiveness in water transportation experience for both the commuters and operators in Lagos State,” a statement said.
The imposing edifice is one of several moves to revamp water transportation as the government begins pilot operations of Ikorodu ferry terminal.
The statement further added: “The terminal, when fully operational, will primarily provide an umbrella shelter for ferry logistics with ample and safe space for operators to load and offload passengers, goods and services. They will provide for the convenience of operators as well as the commuters, safety considerations like water ambulances and emergency rescue and water maintenance in collaboration with Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA).
“The facilities will also provide for recreation and shopping, banking, food court, parking, customer services, security, and well-maintained conveniences.”
According to the government, “The pilot operations at the Ikorodu Ferry Terminal is essentially for boat and ferry operators and their passengers to have a feel of the facility ahead of a full go-live in April, 2018.”
The Director, Corporate Services, Ikorodu Terminal, Mrs. Amina Agboola said: “Our role is to work with the operators to ensure that this facility is maximised to help develop and grow water transportation in Lagos. We are very keen to provide efficient, safe and world class water transport solutions in Nigeria.”
Agboola added: “Indeed, the safety of operators, commuters, our team and visitors, is a strategic priority for us. We have put in place intelligent control measures which will reduce or eliminate hazards within the terminal. These measures will also take care of delays, eliminate rush, human errors, improve connectivity and provide a better customer experience. Our Water ambulance service and rescue team are prepared to respond within the shortest time possible to any emergency situation.”
Also commenting, the Chief Executive Officer HaloWaters (Nigeria), operators of Commercial Water Transport (Lagos WaXi), Andrew Lana said: “It is a milestone in the journey of putting in place efficient inter-modal human and goods transportation system and specifically inland waterways transportation by the Lagos State Government through the provision of infrastructure and enabling environment that engender continuous private sector investments in the sector. The users of the terminal shall experience world class customer service, given the facilities and services promised by the operators of the terminal and commercial boats.”
He added that as an operator, “we are excited that finally, outbound and inbound passengers can experience convenient, safe and reliable water transport service in Ikorodu.”
The new hub will take some load and pressure off the roads leading to Lagos Island, Lekki and Ajah from Ikorodu, a high density town in the state.
The Managing Director of Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Hadiza Bala-Usman, has advocated the provision of adequate vocational training for the youths of Nigeria by all tiers of government in order to equip them with skills needed for gainful employment.
Bala-Usman who bagged an award for outstanding Leadership in Public Sector Transparency and Open Budget System also made case for the establishment of more vocational training institutions so as to accommodate many youths who are willing