Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Tuesday, commissioned seven new high capacity boats, saying the state government comprehensive policy of integrated transport system for the state has paid off, even as he disclosed that the Lagos Ferry Services Company (LAGFERRY) moved 500,000 passengers in one year.
The governor made the disclosure while speaking at the commissioning of the new boats and launch of Cowry Cards for water transportation in Lagos, saying that the procurement of the new high capacity boats was in fulfilment of his administration’s promise to double the number of boats in the fleet of LAGFERRY.
Sanwo-Olu represented by his deputy, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, said the state government was also launching the Cowry Card for water transportation to create a seamless payment scheme for its multimodal transportation system, which was gradually taking shape due to commencement of the integration of rail lines, bus terminals and waterways.
According to him, following the commencement, the state is already witnessing positive outcomes from its investment in the safety and viability of its “waterways as a safe alternative to road transportation.”
“We are also launching the Cowry Card for water transportation to create a seamless payment scheme for our multimodal transportation system, which I am happy to note, is gradually taking shape as we have commenced the integration of our rail lines, bus terminals and waterways.
“I am pleased to inform you that we are already witnessing positive outcomes from our investment in the safety and viability of our waterways as a safe alternative to road transportation.
“In the last one year, LAGFERRY has moved over 500,000 passengers across our waterways, including the Super Eagles who were successfully ferried to and from Benin Republic for their AFCON qualifying match,” Governor Sanwo-Olu stated.
Speaking further, the governor said LAGFERRY, besides commuting people, also promotes tourism and provides logistics solutions to business owners who moved their trucks and cargoes through the waterways within Apapa and through regular charter services, adding that the impressive performance of LAGFERRY in the last one year was an indication of the growing confidence of Lagosians in water transportation.
“The impressive performance of LAGFERRY in the last one year is an indication of the growing confidence of our people in water transportation. It also justifies our decision to procure additional boats to enhance LAGFERRY’s operations and capacity to meet the transportation demands of its teeming passengers,” he said.
Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (MD/CEO) of LAGFERRY, Hon. Abdoulbaq Ladi Balogun, applauded Governor Sanwo-Olu for the fulfilment of the promise made in February last year during the launch of LAGFERRY operation and commissioning of seven new boats, to double its fleet in the shortest time possible.
He said this was the first time ever that a sub-national government would be having a record 20 boats in its fleet, describing the day’s event as historic and Governor Sanwo-Olu as a man of history.
“Mr. Governor is indeed a man of history. This is because today’s event is historic! In the annals of the public transportation system.
“Today, we have in our fleet 20 boats, including one barge and one utility boat. This is the first time ever that a sub-national government will be having a record 20 boats in its fleet.
“Mr Governor is indeed a man of history. This is because today’s event is historic! In the annals of public transportation system in Lagos State, this is the first time we are going to have a total of 20 boats running concurrent commercial operations,” he said.
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