The Lagos State Government and the Nigerian Senate have initiated discussions to promote water transportation in the state.
On Thursday, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu emphasized the need for federal and state governments to align on waterways management.
Governor Sanwo-Olu assured that the state government would continue to strengthen its partnership with the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA). He highlighted the role of the state Ministry of Waterfront Infrastructure in developing the necessary infrastructure for waterways in Lagos and urged NIWA to collaborate more closely with the state.
Sanwo-Olu made these remarks during the visit of the Senate Committee on Marine Transportation and Blue Economy, led by Chairman Wasiu Eshinlokun-Sanni, at Lagos House, Ikeja. “We see ourselves as partners with NIWA on waterways. We are committed, and we believe that they are equally committed. The only area in which we need to strengthen our relationship is the sand filling and approval on sand filling. Let us be on the same page,” the governor said.
Highlighting the achievements of the Lagos State Government in water transportation, Sanwo-Olu announced plans to introduce electric boats to enhance the marine ecosystem and reduce travel time. He mentioned the recent launch of 15 new ferry boats, each with a capacity of 40 passengers, fabricated locally in Lagos.
Sanwo-Olu also discussed groundbreaking projects, including the Lagos-Marina Inter-Change and a similar interchange at Mile 2, designed to integrate water, rail, and bus transportation. These projects aim to transform water and marine transportation in Lagos, boost economic activities, and significantly reduce travel time.
Other initiatives include the Omi-Eko Water Project, which aims to enhance water transportation over the next four to five years. The project includes building additional water jetties, acquiring electric boats, and improving waterway security with a Command and Control Centre.
Eshinlokun-Sanni emphasized the importance of collaboration between the Federal Government and Lagos State to drive economic activities on waterways. He noted that his committee was in Lagos to review NIWA’s operations and explore cooperation opportunities with the state government, especially following a recent Supreme Court judgment.
The committee’s visit included inspections of the NIWA office at Marina and reclamation works at Orange Island, Ostia Island, and Exomozel Island within the Lagos Lagoon.
