The Lagos State Government reported that transport on its waterways has increased, citing a growth to 3.2% on its water index patronage.
This was disclosed by the Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs Uzamat Akinbile-Yussuf, in Lagos, on Friday, October 1, 2021.
The Commissioner was involved in a barge cruise from Falomo to Lekki Ikoyi Link Bridge to commemorate Nigeria’s Independence Day, accompanied by members of the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Lagos Ferry Services (LAGFERRY) and Goge Africa. She revealed that before the establishment of Lagos Ferry Service, the contribution of water transportation stood at 0.8 per cent.
What the Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture said
“In less than two years, the water index patronage stood at 3.2 per cent. Lagos State is a state of aquatic splendour and we are on a cruise ride to commemorate the Independence Day and also to showcase tourism potentials in the state.
“Lagos State is trying to domesticate tourism in Nigeria and we also want people to go on boat, ferry or barges ride to enable them see the viability of Lagos State.
“Water transportation is promoting tourism in Lagos, and I am encouraging Lagos residents to patronise water transport which is easier in moving from one location to another without encountering traffic,” she said.
The Commissioner urged businesses in Lagos to increase their usage of water transport to reduce cost and duration of moving goods from point of origin to destination.
The Managing Director, Lagos Ferry Services, Mr Abdul-Baqi Balogun, said the state was showcasing the water transport potential on social, business and entertainment areas, citing that apart from using the barges to cargo goods, it was being used in transporting cars as well as for entertainment purposes such as hosting weddings, birthdays, conferences and anniversaries.
“We had an anniversary cruise for Nigeria in 2020 and here we are again celebrating Nigeria at 61 in collaboration with the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Lagos Ferry Services (LAGFERRY) and Goge Africa,” Balogun said.
What you should know
Recall that Nairametrics reported earlier this year that the Lagos Ferry Services (LAGFERRY) ferried over 200,000 passengers in 2020, during 150 days of operations.
LAGFERRY stated that it was responsible for 38% of the water transportation index in the transportation matrix of Lagos in 2020 and also improved the contribution of water transport to the state’s GDP from 0.2 per cent to 0.8 per cent, citing that the operations had helped decongest road traffic in Lagos State and boost ease of doing business through the waterways.
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