Lagos govt to launch 25 new boats for waterways transportation

In its efforts to boost water transportation making it a viable and attractive option for Lagosians, the Lagos State Government on Thursday said it is set to launch 25 new ferries into the state’s inland waterway in a few days.

The Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Oluwaseun Osiyemi disclosed this in a statement on Thursday while giving briefing bout the achievements of his Ministry at the annual ministerial press briefing.

The Commissioner explained that the State Government is on track with the launch of the new ferries to strengthen the multimodal transportation system of the state in line with THEMES+ development agenda of the administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

Osiyemi while assuring that the new ferries were built in accordance with international safety standards and regulations through private partnership added that the ferries will commence test runs and thereafter begin full passenger operations.

The Transportation Commissioner also recalled the recently commissioned seven jetties and terminals at Ilashe Amuwo-Odofin, Ijegun Egba, Amuwo-Odofin, Marina, Badagry, Isalu Ajido, Badagry, Offin Ikorodu, Ito Omu Epe and Liverpool, Apapa, saying the commencement of passenger operations of the new ferries will facilitate easy accessibility through the terminals to the people of the State.

He also mentioned that the Lagos Ferry Services is currently running public water transportation in 24 routes from 16 terminals and jetties through its existing 17 commercial boats and has recorded over 2 million ridership.

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