Lagos Govt to launch water taxis earlier than finish of 2025, begins dredging of routes 

The Lagos State Authorities has introduced plans to launch water taxis earlier than the top of 2025, with dredging already underway on key routes to organize for full-scale operations throughout the state’s inland waterways.

The Managing Director of the Lagos State Ferry Companies (LAGFerry), Mr. Ladi Balogun, disclosed this throughout a press convention held on the Falomo Jetty on Tuesday, as reported by the Information Company of Nigeria (NAN).

He stated the initiative is in keeping with the state’s THEMES+ agenda, which prioritises sustainable transportation, infrastructure improvement, and discount of carbon emissions.

Balogun revealed that preparatory works reminiscent of dredging and sterilisation of choose water routes are presently underway to allow the rollout.

“The Lagos State Authorities has introduced plans to introduce water taxis as a part of efforts to ease visitors congestion and enhance productiveness by means of enhanced transportation on the state’s waterways,” the NAN report learn partly.

It additional quoted Balogun as saying, “Some areas should be dredged earlier than we will start full operations. 

“If we can’t launch by the second quarter, we’re assured it’ll occur earlier than the top of the yr.” 

He defined that the water taxi service will function designated ‘water stops’—boarding factors just like land-based bus stops—to enhance accessibility and route administration.

Based on him, the state goals to maximise its water assets in mild of the mounting strain on its highway infrastructure.

Extra insights  

Balogun acknowledged that security considerations stay a significant purpose why many commuters hesitate to embrace water transport. Nevertheless, he emphasised that strict security protocols are in place, together with the obligatory use of life jackets and specialised coaching for operators.

• Regardless of the advantages of water journey—described as secure, wholesome, and environment friendly—many nonetheless go for traffic-prone roads because of lingering fears. To handle this, an illustration sail was organised to spice up public confidence, serving to passengers really feel extra comfy as soon as on board.
• The NAN report highlighted that since LAGFerry started business operations in February 2020, it has transported over three million passengers throughout Lagos waterways. Balogun famous that the service began with simply 4 boats when Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu assumed workplace in 2019, a quantity that has since grown by means of sustained authorities funding.

He added that a number of new jetties and terminals—some below building and others nearing completion—are anticipated to be commissioned within the coming months to additional develop the state’s water transport community.