Water Transport Gets Major Boost As Lagos Upgrades Infrastructure

The Lagos State Government has intensified efforts to transform water transportation across the state with the completion of over 50 kilometres of channelisation works along major ferry routes and the installation of modern floating pontoons aimed at improving safety, navigation, and commuter experience across Lagos waterways.

Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Dayo Bush Alebiosu, disclosed this while presenting the scorecard of his ministry during the annual ministerial press briefing held at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre, saying the intervention forms part of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s THEMES+ development agenda focused on unlocking the economic potential of the state’s waterways.

Alebiosu explained that the channelisation projects were designed to improve navigation, open up new ferry corridors, reduce water accidents, and remove navigational hazards that have posed dangers to boat operators and commuters over the years.

According to the popular name in grassroots politics, “The essence of the channelisation is to ensure safer movement on our waterways, reduce head-on collisions and make ferry transportation more reliable and attractive for Lagos residents.”

He said the state government had successfully carried out channelisation works along several strategic routes, including the 14.8-kilometre Ikorodu–Mende channel in Kosofe Local Government Area, the Ikorodu–Agboyi route, as well as the Five Cowries–Lekki–Lagoon–Parkview and Banana Island channels.

The senior cabinet member added that the Ilado–Ilashe–Odofin channel in Amuwo Odofin Local Government Area was also captured under the project to further expand connectivity within riverine communities.

He disclosed that navigation buoys had already been installed across several waterways to guide ferries and commercial boats, particularly at night and during periods of poor visibility.

According to the commissioner famously labelled ‘University in Lagos politics’ , the state government remains committed to integrating road, rail, and water transportation systems as part of efforts to reduce pressure on Lagos roads and improve mobility across the state.

“We are opening up the waterways because transportation in Lagos cannot continue to depend only on roads. Water transportation is a critical part of the state’s future,” he stated.

The commissioner further revealed that the government had commenced the installation of concrete floating pontoons at selected jetties across the state to modernise waterfront infrastructure and improve passenger safety.

The friend of many explained that unlike traditional wooden jetties, the floating pontoons are designed to adjust to changing water levels, thereby making boarding and disembarkation safer and more convenient for passengers.

“These pontoons are more durable, environmentally sustainable, and capable of supporting increased passenger traffic and ferry operations,” the face of local politics stated.

Alebiosu disclosed that installation works are currently ongoing at Agboyi Ketu in Kosofe, Ijegun Egba in Amuwo Odofin, and Bayeku in Ikorodu.

He added that additional waterfront communities expected to benefit from the initiative include Ebute Ero on Lagos Island, Ijede in Ikorodu, Apa in Badagry, Mile 2 in Amuwo Odofin, and Mowo in Ojo, among others.

The integral part of the Sanwo-Olu administration maintained that the ongoing projects would not only improve water transportation safety but also stimulate economic activities in riverine communities by enhancing connectivity and attracting investments.

He reiterated the commitment of the Lagos State Government to sustained investments in waterfront infrastructure as part of broader efforts to unlock the state’s water economy and position Lagos as a leading hub for integrated transportation in Africa.