Safety concerns as Muslim faithful besiege Lagos jetties for Eid-el-Kabir

There are mounting concerns around most waterways jetties in Lagos State following the influx of Muslim faithful travelling home for the Eid-el-Kabir celebration holding this week across the country.

Investigations by the Nigerian Tribune revealed that many jetties, both manned and unmanned, are currently witnessing a surge in the number of people travelling by waterways to their villages located along the riverine routes of the state to celebrate the Eid-el-Kabir with their families.

When Nigerian Tribune got to the Abule-Ado jetty located near Ojo area of Lagos State, many boats carrying full load of passengers were seen crisscrossing the length of the Lagos lagoon to and fro the Badagry end of the lagoon.

While many had life jackets on, the numbers of passengers on each boat raised concerns from some boat operators at the Abule-Ado jetty.

Patrick Manaseh, a boat operator who spoke with the Nigerian Tribune, said there has been an increase in the number of passengers moving on the waterways since Sunday.

Manaseh said, “There is a surge in the number of people travelling via the Lagos waterways in recent days. I think it is not unconnected with the Eid-el-Kabir celebration coming up this week. Many people who have villages in riverine areas are moving home to celebrate with their families.

“However, the manner in which passenger boats are fully loaded with passengers is raising concerns among some of us. I am not saying some of the boats are overloaded, but I hope things don’t get out of hand in the coming days.

“Again, many boats are taking off from jetties that are not fully manned. Many jetties litter the Badagry and Ikorodu stretch of the Lagos lagoon that we don’t have physical presence of the regulatory agencies there.

“I cannot beat my chest and say some boats won’t be leaving at night for these trips in the coming days. The regulatory agencies need to be on top of their game in the next one week.

“I am saying one week because the same people that are travelling for the Eid-el-Kabir will come back to main-town Lagos after the festivity. Many that are leaving this week won’t come back to Lagos until the coming weekend.

“So, we expect the surge in passenger traffic at many jetties to remain all through this week. The regulatory agencies – National Inland Waterway Authority (NIWA) and the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) – need to be on their toes all through this week.”

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