Lagos Boat Operators Seek More Jetties, Engine Subsidies, Financial Support
Boat operators in Lagos State have called on the incoming administration to expand water transportation infrastructure, introduce subsidies on boat engines and provide financial assistance to strengthen the sector.
The operators, under the Association of Tourist Boat Operators and Water Transporters of Nigeria (ATBOWATON), Lagos State Chapter, also urged the government to establish more jetties and fuel stations, particularly in underserved and remote communities, to improve access to water transportation.
They made the demands at a political awareness programme organised by the association in collaboration with its national leadership over the weekend, bringing together operators, government representatives and other stakeholders to discuss the future of water transportation and the blue economy in Lagos.
The Deputy Chairman of ATBOWATON in Lagos State, Babatunde Segun, acknowledged the outgoing administration’s contributions to the sector but urged its successor to sustain existing achievements and extend facilities to communities with inadequate infrastructure.
Segun identified limited access to jetties and fuel stations, alongside insufficient financial support, as major challenges affecting operators, particularly those working in remote areas.
He noted that some operators had lost their boats in accidents, while others were struggling with faulty engines, leaving them unable to operate effectively and sustain their livelihoods.
He called for government subsidies on boat engines and flexible loan repayment arrangements to enable affected operators to replace damaged equipment, rebuild their businesses and remain active in the industry.
Segun further urged the incoming administration to sustain investments in waterway safety, security, youth employment and tourism, stressing that an efficient water transportation system could create jobs, improve passenger safety and reduce pressure on Lagos roads.
The Founding National Chairman of ATBOWATON, Dr Tarzan Balogun, emphasised the need to prioritise passenger safety, warning that frequent boat accidents could undermine public confidence and discourage commuters from using waterways.
Balogun called on operators to ensure passengers enjoyed safe and comfortable journeys, while advocating stronger collaboration among federal, state and local governments to address challenges confronting the sector.
Also speaking, the Chairman of Oriade Local Council Development Area, Rasaq Olotede, highlighted the provision of terminals at Ilashe, Ibeshe and Kirikiri Town as part of efforts to improve water transportation in the area.
He commended operators for complying with safety regulations, particularly the use of life jackets, and acknowledged the contributions of the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) and the Marine Police to monitoring activities on the waterways.
Olotede also praised successive Lagos administrations for investing in jetties and terminals across the Badagry Division.
In his keynote address, the Lagos State Governor’s Special Adviser on Blue Economy, Oluwadamilola Emmanuel, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to positioning Lagos as a leading centre for maritime development and water transportation.
He identified the Omi Eko Project as a major initiative designed to transform the sector through modern ferry infrastructure, electric-powered vessels, improved terminals, waterway dredging and digital transportation systems.
Emmanuel, however, stressed that existing boat operators must benefit from the opportunities created by the ongoing transformation of the sector.
He urged operators to embrace professionalism, prioritise safety, comply with regulatory standards and remain open to innovation and modern operating practices.
The special adviser also encouraged members of the association to participate actively in the democratic process, noting that government policies directly affect their businesses and livelihoods.
