The Lagos State Government has upgraded its ferry fleet with the acquisition of new engines to boost Lagos Ferry Services’ efficiency as a functional alternative to decongest road traffic and effectively address the Okada menace.
The Managing Director of LAGFERRY, Abdoulbaq Ladi-Balogun, taking delivery of the new engines, expressed satisfaction and confidence that the acquisition will ensure optimal performance of boats and provide passengers with comfort, safety and commuting satisfaction.
He said: “We want to commend Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu for his passionate commitment and consistent massive investment in water transportation as a viable alternative to decongest road traffic and, most importantly, to bring to fruition, the functional Multi-Modal transportation system as envisaged in the iconic Strategic Transportation Master Plan of the Lagos Development Blueprint”.
While reiterating the State government’s commitment to safety on the waterways, through strengthened enforcement of rules and regulations, Ladi-Balogun called on more private investors to tap into the wide possibilities in the Blue Ocean Economy for steady returns.
He further gave an assurance that quality Marine Transport Infrastructure would be constructed and upgraded, just as stricter enforcement of regulations and control of boat operations will be maintained by the State to conform with international standards. “This government, through LAGFERRY, is showing the types of boats needed on its waterways and also emphasizing the need for boat operators to ensure adequate training of crews and regular maintenance of boats”, he added.
Assuring that government will continuously seek to encourage and create a conducive atmosphere for private sector participation by constantly opening up new routes, dredging the waterways and constructing new terminals/jetties, the Managing Director urged the Lagos commuters to embrace the waterways, being the safest, fastest, environmentally-friendly and viable alternative to decongest road traffic.