The Lagos State Government has flagged off commercial waterway transportation in the state, with the official launch of eight newly acquired state-of-art speed boats in Ajegunle.
The state governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, while unveiling the speed boats at a ceremony held at Badore Ferry Terminal in Eti-Osa Local Government Area of the state, promised that modern jetties would be built in Badagry, Lekki and Ajegunle, adding that the one under construction at Ijegun would soon be completed.
The Tide leant that the newly acquired speed boats will be operated by the Lagos Ferry Services (LAGFERRY).
The governor also launched a mobile application designed to facilitate easy access to water transportation services in the state.
Sanwo-Olu said the intervention represented a “great leap” in his administration’s strategy to deliver an effective and integrated intermodal transportation system in addressing the perennial issue of traffic congestion on the roads.
He said the state would drive full compliance or measures to ensure the safety of commuter using the waterways, adding that the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) was being strengthened to effectively discharge its monitoring and regulatory duties in line with international best practices.
According to the governor, “the narrative of transportation in Lagos is about to change for good, as we are set to take full advantage of the water bodies to decongest our roads and substantially reduce travel time for commuters.
“Today, we are launching eight units of additional ferries to complement the existing six ferries fleet of Lagos ferry services. It is glaring that for Lagos to be a functional city that we desire, there must be interconnectivity of the rail, road and water transportation system”.
The Tide reports that the design and fabrication of the new boats were done by two local boats manufacturers in line with Sanwo-Olu’s promise to explore local capacity in providing solutions to various challenges in the state.

By: Nkpemenyie Mcdominic, Lagos