The Lagos State Government has intensified efforts to transform water transportation across the state with the completion of more than 50 kilometres of channelisation works along major ferry routes under the THEMES+ development agenda of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
The Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Dayo Bush Alebiosu, disclosed this while presenting the ministry’s scorecard for the last two years during the annual ministerial press briefing held at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre.
According to Alebiosu, the channelisation project was undertaken to improve navigation on Lagos waterways, expand ferry routes and strengthen safety for commuters and water transport operators across the state.
He explained that the intervention would significantly reduce incidents of boat mishaps and head-on collisions caused by submerged wrecks and other navigational hazards along ferry corridors.
He added that the project would also help mitigate erosion and flooding affecting several waterfront communities.
Alebiosu stated that the completed routes include the 14.8-kilometre Ikorodu–Mende channel in Kosofe Local Government Area, the 14.8-kilometre Ikorodu–Agboyi route, the Five Cowries–Lekki–Lagoon–Parkview and Banana Island channels, as well as the Ilado–Ilashe–Odofin corridor in Amuwo Odofin Local Government Area.
He further revealed that navigation buoys had been installed across the waterways to support safer and easier movement for ferries and commercial boats operating within Lagos.
The commissioner noted that the initiative aligns with the state government’s commitment to strengthening Lagos’ multimodal transportation system through the integration of road, rail and water transportation under the THEMES+ agenda.
Speaking further, Alebiosu disclosed that the state government had commenced the installation of modern concrete floating pontoons at selected jetties as part of broader efforts to modernise water transport infrastructure.
According to him, the project, being implemented by the Lagos State Ministry of Waterfront Infrastructure Development, is designed to provide safer, more durable and more efficient docking facilities for ferries and passenger boats.
He explained that unlike traditional wooden jetties, the floating concrete pontoons are designed to adjust to changing water levels, thereby ensuring safer and easier boarding and disembarkation for passengers. He added that the facilities are environmentally sustainable and capable of supporting increased passenger and vessel activities.
Alebiosu disclosed that installation works are currently ongoing at Agboyi Ketu in Kosofe, Ijegun Egba in Amuwo Odofin and Bayeku in Ikorodu, while additional strategic waterfront locations have also been earmarked for similar upgrades.
Other jetties expected to benefit from the project include Ebute Ero on Lagos Island, Ijede in Ikorodu, Apa in Badagry, Mile 2 in Amuwo Odofin and Mowo in Ojo, alongside several other waterfront communities across the state.
He stressed that the intervention would improve safety on Lagos waterways, enhance commuter experience, boost economic activities in riverine communities and further strengthen the state’s multimodal transportation network.
The commissioner reiterated the commitment of the Lagos State Government to modernising waterfront infrastructure and unlocking the economic and transportation potential of Lagos waterways through sustained investment in the sector.
