The Lagos State Ferry Service (LAGFERRY) in its effort to enlighten and sensitize residents to embrace water transportation as a means of decongesting the roads and a cheaper alternative, held a stakeholders meeting with community leaders on Tuesday December 12th, 2023 at the Love Lagos Jetty, Bariga /Ilaje Waterfront.
The Managing Director, Lagos Ferry Services (LAGFERRY), Mr. Abdoulbaq Ladi-Balogun, made an appeal for the community to take charge of the Love Lagos Jetty constructed over four years ago to ensure a smooth and easy mode of transportation
Ladi-Balogun stated that the Agency chose to hold the sensitization meeting now in advance before the six months closure of the Third-Mainland Bridge for repairs.
He said, “As the State government is paying priority to rehabilitate the Third-Mainland Bridge, it will be expedient at this moment for the people to make use of the waterways, especially when commuting to Lagos Island, Ikorodu and Badagry. LAGFERRY boats are readily available at the Love Jetty here in Ilaje-Bariga with adequate car park facilities. They are safe, comfortable, timely and efficient”.
He noted that over 24 routes have been created within Lagos Waterways and also emphasized on its fastest and safest means of transportation over road.
“In every area of the operations of LAGFERRY with our 20 fleets, first by any sub-nation, safety is paramount. Compulsory wearing of life jackets, regular maintenance of our boats. Safety is actually the first factor we consider in everything we do. Part of the safety measures also includes personal accident insurance package. For every passenger coming on board LAGFERRY boats, on every trip and every route we currently ply, all passengers are fully insured”, he stated.
The representative of the Commissioner for Transportation, Mrs. Fadekemi Emmanuel assured the residents of Governor Sanwo-Olu’s love and support whose THEMES+ Agenda start with ‘T’ stands for transportation integration of different modal of transports which include road, rail, waterways and air transportation for ease, safe and convenience of Lagos residents and visitors.
She noted that LAGFERRY have 50% discount on fare using the Lagos Cowry Card “so if you’re to pay 1,000 naira that means you’ll be charge 500 naira” she asserted.
Highlights of the event was introduction of a boat cruise tour slated for December 16th and 17th, 2023, tagged Sail the Love Lagos Water Experience which is expected to take off from Bariga Waterfront Jetty and terminate at Takwa Bay Island beach.
In her goodwill message, the Vice-Chancellor of University of Lagos, represented by her aide commended the administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for his commitment to an intermodal transportation system, especially its huge investment in water transportation.
She expressed the willingness in sensitizing the students and staff on the need to embrace water transportation.
The forum had in attendance traditional rulers, market leaders, political leaders, lawmakers, youth leaders, religious leaders, artisan groups, academia, transport unionists, civil societies, Student Union Government Leaders and members of CDCs and CDAs in Bariga LCDA and Shomolu LGAC.
