Governor Sanwo-Olu, Senate Explore Joint Efforts to Boost Water Transportation

By: Abdulwasiu Akintunde 

The Lagos State Government and the Nigerian Senate have initiated discussions to promote water transportation in the state. 

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, made these remarks during a working and courtesy visit by the Senate Committee on Marine Transportation and Blue Economy, led by its Chairman, Wasiu Eshinlokun-Sanni, at Lagos House, Ikeja, on Thursday. 

He emphasized the importance of collaboration between the Federal and State Governments regarding waterways.

Sanwo-Olu assured that the State Government would continue to strengthen its relationship with the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA). 

OPEN TELEVISION Naija reports that the Governor then highlighted that the State’s Ministry of Waterfront Infrastructure was established to develop necessary infrastructure for the waterways and urged NIWA to align with the state's efforts.

"We see ourselves as partners with NIWA on waterways," Sanwo-Olu stated. 

"We are committed, and we believe that NIWA is equally committed. The only area where we need to strengthen our relationship is in the approval process for sand filling. Let us be on the same page so we can continue to improve and enhance our working relationship," said, Governor Sanwo-Olu. 

While highlighting the landmark achievements of the Lagos State Government in the blue economy and water transportation, Sanwo-Olu mentioned that his administration would soon introduce electric boats to improve water transportation and enhance marine ecosystems, thereby reducing travel time.

"About a month ago, we launched 15 brand new ferry boats, each with a capacity of about 40 passengers. These boats were fabricated and completed here in Lagos. We have handed them over to the operators to ease water transportation," he said.

Sanwo-Olu also announced the ground-breaking work for two iconic waterfront projects: the Lagos-Marina Inter-Change.

"The interchange will integrate water transportation, rail transportation, and bus rapid transit."

OPEN TELEVISION Naija gathered that another similar project is planned for Mile 2, which will also serve as an interchange for water, rail, and bus transportation.

"These landmark projects will not only transform water and marine transportation in Lagos but also boost socio-economic activities, facilitate movement across the city, reduce travel time by 60 to 70 percent. NIWA is aware of these projects, as we have been collaborating closely with them."

"We are also working on the Omi-Eko Water Project, a comprehensive initiative set to run for the next four to five years. This project aims to enhance water transportation by building additional water jetties and acquiring electric boats with capacities of 100 to 120 passengers. We will improve security on the waterways and establish a Command and Control Centre," Govenor Sanwo-Olu assured. 

Eshinlokun-Sanni had earlier emphasized the need for collaboration between the Federal Government and the Lagos State Government to drive socio-economic and commercial activities on the waterways."

He stated that his committee was in Lagos for a working visit, and the Senators decided to pay a courtesy call to Governor Sanwo-Olu before conducting their oversight duties.

OPEN TELEVISION Naija revealed that Sanni emphasized the importance of NIWA to Lagos State, highlighting the Senate Committee on Marine Transportation and Blue Economy's desire for a mutually beneficial relationship between the Federal Government and Lagos State. 

"We are here to assess NIWA's performance and explore areas of cooperation with the Lagos State Government following the recent Supreme Court judgment. We aim to ensure a harmonious relationship between NIWA and the Lagos State Government, as we are both part of the APC-led Government, and importantly, the nation's leader hails from Lagos State."

"We are not here to witch-hunt but to collaborate with you and the people of Lagos State and Nigeria," Sanni said. 

Sanni concluded, "The committee also visited the NIWA office at Marina and inspected reclamation works under the regulations of the Inland Waterways at Orange Island, Ostia Island, and Exomozel Island within the Lagos Lagoon."