By ebosele@hotmail.comThe Lagos State Government has announced an ambitious plan to transform water transportation through the deployment of electric ferries, expansion of inland waterways, and seamless integration with road and rail systems under a five-year mobility programme.The Special Adviser to the Governor on Marine and Blue Economy, Mr Oluwadamilola Emmanuel, disclosed this on Thursday while hosting members of the Shipping Correspondent Association of Nigeria (SCAN), led by its President, Moses Ebosele, in Lagos. Emmanuel, who also serves as General Manager of the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA), said the initiative will include dredging about 140 kilometres of inland waterways, upgrading terminals, and strengthening operational capacity across the sector.He explained that the project is designed to provide commuters with viable alternatives to road transport and reduce traffic congestion in the state, describing it as the first time Lagos is attracting large-scale investment dedicated solely to water transport.“The goal is to build an efficient, interconnected system linking the eastern, western, and central parts of Lagos,” he said, adding that the government will prioritise training across the value chain, including boat operators, captains, deckhands, and regulatory agencies, while ensuring the informal sector is not excluded.A key highlight of the initiative, according to him, is the transition to cleaner energy. He revealed that pilot schemes for electric ferries have recorded success, while efforts are ongoing to convert conventional engines to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) as an alternative energy source.Addressing concerns over fares, Emmanuel noted that water transport remains more expensive than road travel due to higher operational costs, but offers commuters shorter travel times and relief from traffic congestion.To enhance connectivity, he said the state is developing major transport interchanges in locations such as Mile 2 and Marina, where water, rail, and bus services will converge for seamless mobility.He added that safety on the waterways has improved significantly, with a decline in accidents attributed to proactive measures, infrastructure investment, and sustained engagement with operators. Monthly passenger traffic, he said, is currently estimated at between 1.5 million and 2 million users.On environmental sustainability, Emmanuel highlighted ongoing efforts to tackle marine pollution, particularly plastic waste, through collaboration with environmental agencies and non-governmental organisations. He also noted initiatives to manage water hyacinth by converting it into useful products such as craft materials and agricultural inputs.He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to stakeholder engagement to ensure the long-term sustainability of the sector, noting that the initiative aligns with broader efforts to unlock Lagos’ blue economy potential. In his remarks, Ebosele urged LASWA to deepen collaboration with the media, stressing that such partnerships would enhance public awareness and promote greater engagement, especially among rural communities.
