Lagos State government is set to introduce a modern ferry service and operation for the state.
The focus is targeted at transporting Lagos residents, visitors, goods and services on a daily basis using the waterways transportation systems.
The ferries are expected to transport an average of 480,000 passengers via the waterways. The Lagos State Ferry Services (LAGFERRY) will operate the services.
LAGFERRY recently increased its capacity to 60 passenger boats. They will operate on several routes in Lagos.
Routes that the ferries will ply include Ikorodu-CMS/VI/Apapa, Ojo-Apapa, CMS-Apapa, Badagry-Apapa and Badore-Ijede, etc. It will also incorporate areas like Coconut, Snake Island, etc.
According to the State Commissioner for Transportation, Frederic Oladeinde, LAGFERRY will work hand in hand with Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA). This will enable them to incorporate the ferry system into the central ticketing and billing system, in order to coordinate the modes of transportation in the state
Safety And Security
According to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, safety on the waterways will be approached from two angles
The first angle will involve a collaboration between security authorities and the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA). They will work together to man outposts and boat escorts where necessary.
The second approached would require the clearing of water hyacinths and cleaning the waterways. This responsibility falls on LASWA to open up more routes and increase the confidence of the residents.
Also, the staff of LAGFERRY are also being trained in health, safety, and customer service modules ahead of the launch.
The Lagos Ferry Service will commence commercial ferry operations across waterways in the state next month. It will be launched in commemoration of Governor Sanwo-Olu’s 200 days in office.