By CHIAZO OGBOLU

The Lagos State Ferry Services (LAGFERRY) will soon introduce Eko Water Taxi on the Lekki–Epe corridor to ease traffic congestion and reduce commuting challenges for residents and businesses.

The Managing Director of LAGFERRY, Dr Abdoulbaq Balogun, said this at the organisation’s strategic management retreat on Saturday at Epe, Lagos State.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the retreat had the theme: ‘Sustainable Water Transportation and Lagos Transport Policy’.

Balogun said that it had plans to include electric boats and expand cargo movement across Lekki, Apapa, Ikorodu, Epe, and Badagry.

According to Balogun, this will reduce pressure on the road while boosting sustainable transport’s contribution to Lagos State’s economy.

On the Lagos State Transport Policy launched three years ago, he said that it covered all transport modes and focused on effective implementation and improvement of operational efficiency, especially within the water transport sub-sector.

“This retreat will strengthen human capacity, equipping personnel with skills and knowledge to drive sustainable transport development and supporting long-term growth of Lagos State’s water transport system.

“Attention is on the blue economy ecosystem, sustaining progress over six years through environmental management, reduced emissions, improved safety, and encourage water transport as a daily lifestyle choice,” he said.

Balogun praised Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu for making boat captains public servants and securing lasting water transport gains, including approval for LAGFERRY headquarters construction at its Mile 2 Terminal.

Dr George Banjo, Managing Director, Transport and Development Consultants Partners Ltd., expressed hope that the participants would gain more knowledge about the Lagos Transport Policy.

According to Banjo, the policy is meant to drive the activities of LAGFERRY.

“Many policies often end up on shelves without proper execution.

“However, after approving the transport policy, the state Ministry of Transportation took a decisive step by appointing capable personnel to drive its implementation.

“This singular action has yielded significant results, leading to notable achievements and improved progress in putting the policy into effect,” he said.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Transportation, Mr Olawale Musa, said the three-day retreat was aimed at having a reflection, developing strategies, and aligning toward making waterways central to the integrated transport system of Lagos State.

Musa was represented by Mr Aderounmu Agbomeji, Director of Transport Policy and Coordination in the ministry.

He said that Lagos was rich in waterways transforming inland transport into a reliable, eco-friendly system that aligned with the THEMES PLUS Agenda of the state, which prioritised efficient mobility and improved traffic management.

“Sustainable water transport reduces congestion, emissions and travel time while improving safety and quality of life and supporting a seamless multi-modal system connecting water, road and rail networks.

“Key focus areas include green technology, fleet modernisation, strict safety standards, and integration with broader transport systems to ensure efficiency, reliability, and increased passenger capacity.

“Affordability, inclusiveness, innovation, and private sector participation remain vital.

This retreat seeks actionable outcomes, stronger collaborations and renewed commitment to advancing Lagos State’s sustainable water transportation vision,” he said. (NAN)

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