1,000 Days Of Commitment To Efficient, Safe Water Transportation System In Lagos

For the cerebral managing director of Lagos Ferry Services (LAGFERRY) Mr. Abduolbaq Ladi-Balogun  and his team February 10, 2020 is a special day, that is the day commercial operations of Lagos Ferry Services was launched by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu at Badore Terminal, Ajah Eti-Osa.

Taking stock on March 19, 2024; the management of the services said they are elated about the journey so far because it has been an eventful journey of 1000 days of commuting Lagosians and businesses of Lagos on the inland waterways.

He reminisced that despite months of lockdown occasioned by the global outbreak of Corona Virus and the destructive #EndSars protest, the state-owned commercial ferry operator – LAGFERRY was able to navigate the murky water, positively changed the narratives, berthed technology-driven safe and efficient water transportation model.

Ladi-Balogun affirmed that with the support of his hardworking team the ferry service has succeeded in  practically translate the vision of Governor Sanwo-Olu to create a smart-city with functional multi-modal transportation system by optimizing the socio-economic potential of the natural water bodies in Lagos State, as part of the robust initiatives contained in the Strategic Transportation Master Plan (STMP) marshalled by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu when he was the Governor of Lagos state.

That Lagos State, the economic hub of Nigeria, faces numerous challenges in its transportation sector is not in doubt. The ever-increasing population, congested roads, and inadequate public transport infrastructure have made it crucial to explore alternative modes of transportation.

In recent years, the state government under the leadership of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has embarked on an ambitious plan to revolutionize water transportation in the state which has emerged as one of the key focus areas for the Lagos State government. With a vision of enhancing mobility, reducing traffic congestion, and boosting the blue economy.

To this end, the government has implemented various initiatives and developments to transform water transportation in the state.

Water transportation has deep historical roots in Lagos State. In the past, the waterways played a crucial role in trade and commerce, connecting various parts of the state and facilitating the movement of goods and people.

Traditional watercraft such as canoes and fishing boats were commonly used for transportation, especially in the riverine communities. However, with the rapid urbanization and population growth experienced in Lagos over the years, water transportation took a backseat as road networks expanded to accommodate the increasing demand but with the introduction and contributions of Lagos State Ferry Services (LAGFERRY) to the development of the water transportation sector, significant improvement has been recorded.

The origin of water transportation in Lagos State can be traced to the 1970s when Lagos 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. Later, the state government under the Lateef Jakande administration also came up with its ferry service when it purchased its ferry boats “Baba Kekere” and “Ita Faji” and operated from Mile 2 to Apapa, CMS, Elegbata (Ebute-Ero).

The former Governor, Babatunde Fashola Commissioned and operated ferry services from the following Terminals Ebute Ojo Terminal (Now Sifax Terminal), Ipakodo Ferry Terminal (Ikorodu), Badore Ferry Terminal and Osborne Ferry Terminal With two units of 54pax Aluminium boats while the former Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode commissioned Ilaje Bariga Waterfront Terminal with 4 Units Catamaran Boat with 1 Car Barge (Adimu Orisa)

Currently, under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration, the re-invigorated  Lagos Ferry Services (LAGFERRY) is running water transport in 24 routes from 16 terminals/jetties with 19 commercial boats, While government is rehabilitating and constructing 15 new terminals/jetties across the state, dredging of routes, channelisation removal of wrecks and water hyacinths etc.

The primary objective of LAGFERRY is to provide safe, efficient, and reliable water transportation services to the people of Lagos. The vision is to be the go-to model and alpha solution provider in the business of water transportation which is in consonance with the Lagos State T.H.E.M.E.S PLUS Agenda of the Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration, aim at enabling intermodal movement options and promotion of commerce and tourism, through the provision of safe efficient and technologically-driven ferry services manned by competent workforce to ensure environmental sustainability.

To achieve the vision of transforming water transportation, Governor Sanwo-Olu had assembled a team of experienced and dedicated professionals.

These individuals, including experts in maritime affairs, transport, and urban planning, work together to comprehensively assess the existing infrastructure and bottlenecks as well as collaborate with various stakeholders to identify the key challenges and develop strategies for improvement.

The process involved consultations with experts, public hearings, and a detailed feasibility study to execute the government’s plans effectively and efficiently thus paving the way for the blue economy.

Lagos State is the most populous State in Nigeria, with a population of over 20 million. It covers an approximate landmass of 3,577 square kilometers and is blessed with a vast network of water bodies, including the Lagos Lagoon, Majidun River, Five Cowries Creek, Macgregor Canal and Ologe River etc making it an ideal location to develop a robust water transportation system.

Commenting on the strides made so far, the LAGFERRY boss, pointed out that Governor Sanwo’Olu’s vision for water transportation in Lagos State is to create an efficient, reliable, and sustainable mode of transportation that meets the needs of the growing population.

“By completing strategic projects and leveraging technological innovations, the aim is to make water transportation an attractive option for commuters and optimise the blue economy potential of Lagos’ waterways.

“Lagos State blessed with vast water bodies, including the Atlantic Ocean, lagoons, and creeks, the state government prioritized the development and utilization of these waterways, leading to a significant increase in the availability of routes for water transportation.

“Governor Sanwo-Olu’s passion for improving water transportation is evident in his commitment to creating an integrated multi-modal transport system that seamlessly connects road, rail, and water transportation as encapsulated in the THEMES PLUS agenda. By promoting water transportation as a viable alternative to road transport, he aims to ease traffic congestion and significantly reduce travel time for commuters.

‘’Under his leadership, the Lagos State government has demonstrated unwavering commitment to transforming water transportation by allocating substantial resources and implementing comprehensive policies and projects. This commitment is driven by the belief that efficient and sustainable water transportation is vital for the economic growth and development of Lagos State hence which LAGFERRY has proven to be the key driver of this vision.’’

He explained that to facilitate seamless water transportation, the state has invested in the establishment and renovation of terminals, landings, (floating) jetty(ies) along various waterways.

“These terminals serve as key transit points, enabling commuters to board and disembark from boats and ferries comfortably and safely. Furthermore, Water transportation in Lagos State caters to a diverse range of passengers with different backgrounds. From daily commuters to tourists and business travelers, the water transport system offers a convenient and efficient mode of travel.’’

He added that the inclusive approach of the initiative has ensured that the needs and preferences of all passengers are taken into consideration.

According to him, the transformation of water transportation in the state has not been without challenges, adding that the issues at stake include inadequate infrastructure, encroachment on waterways, insufficient public awareness, insufficient boats/ferries and the need for increased security and safety measures.

“However, the government remains committed to addressing these challenges through sustained efforts and collaborations with relevant stakeholders (LASWA, NIWA, Marine Police and Navy). This collaboration has ensured adequate security, swift and prompt emergency response on the waterways,’’ he said.

Ladi –Balogun explained that Governor Sanwo-Olu’s administration has worked towards developing a standard model for water transportation in Lagos State.

‘’ This involves defining regulations, safety protocols, and quality standards to ensure a reliable and secure commuting experience for all passengers. Hence LAGFERRY became a benchmark for other boat and ferry operators within the state and Lagos State Waterways Authority is the regulatory body.

 

 

 

‘’ This enables the government attracts more private sector investment and create a competitive market for water transportation services.’’

 

To further ensure safety of passengers he said the state government adopted a technology-driven water transportation system with the unveiling of the Lagos Ferry Services Electronic Fleet Surveillance System.

 

 

 

He said the adoption of the e-Fleet surveillance system was to ensure sustainable and reliable water transportation service safe for all users.

 

 

 

“The e-Fleet Surveillance System, known as e-Fleet, is a functional real-time technology that tracks ferries and provides vital information, including the location, speed, condition and surrounding environment of the boats.

 

 

 

“This information will enable LAGFERRY to monitor and manage the operations of its fleet effectively 24/7 (round-the-clock), ensure passenger safety and confidence through installed tracking cameras, leading to improved ridership and help in the management of fuel to achieve maximum value,” Balogun said.

 

 

 

According to him,  the e-Fleet surveillance system is a robust technology that provides data on water traffic, boat performance, weather conditions, and other important information.

 

 

 

“It has its control centre at the agency’s operation base at Mile 2 Terminal and is being constantly monitored by trained and competent professionals to underscore the commitment of the government to establish the industry’s standards in providing a conducive environment for private sector investments.’’

 

 

 

 

 

To further achieve its mandate of ensuring 30 per cent of the Lagos commuters embrace the waterways as a viable alternative to road traffic congestion the Lagos Ferry Services in collaboration with EKO TOKEN in year 2022 introduced a cash reward system for its customers, where cash prizes running into millions can be won by purchasing a LAGFERRY ticket using the cowry card.

 

 

 

A public affairs officer of the Lagos Ferry Services Akeem Odusina pointed out that the financial incentives and benefits offered by the cash reward system has made water transportation a more attractive option compared to congested roads or crowded public transportation and has led to a decrease in traffic congestion, improve air quality and reduce the overall carbon footprints.

 

 

 

 

 

According to Odusina, “This consumer-centric initiative has recorded a significant and impressive number of winners, whose lives have been impacted positively, and revolutionized commuters’ experience on the waterways by motivating them to use water transportation as their primary mode of commuting.”

 

 

 

Odusina added that, “Making Lagos State a 21st century economy is one of the cardinal pillars of the present administration and this objective of encouraging private sector businesses and improving the well-being of the citizens is being achieved through the collaboration.

 

 

 

“It is changing the narratives of water transportation by incentivising its usage, improving quality of life, reducing traffic congestion, benefiting the environment, boosting local economies, enhancing tourism, and driving infrastructure development.”