Lagos Expands Water Transport Infrastructure, Completes 50km Channelisation
The Lagos State Government has intensified efforts to improve water transportation infrastructure with the completion of over 50 kilometres of channelisation works across major ferry routes in the state.
The Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Dayo Bush-Alebiosu, disclosed this during the annual ministerial press briefing held at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre on Thursday.
Bush-Alebiosu said the project was executed under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s THEMES+ development agenda to enhance navigation, improve safety, and expand ferry operations across Lagos waterways.
According to him, the channelisation works are expected to reduce boat accidents and head-on collisions caused by submerged shipwrecks and other navigational hazards, while also addressing erosion and flooding challenges affecting waterfront communities.
The commissioner listed the completed routes to include the 14.8-kilometre Ikorodu–Mende channel in Kosofe Local Government Area, the 14.8-kilometre Ikorodu–Agboyi route, the Five Cowries–Lekki–Lagoon–Parkview and Banana Island channels, as well as the Ilado–Ilashe–Odofin channel in Amuwo Odofin Local Government Area.
He added that navigation buoys had been installed along the waterways to improve safety and aid seamless movement of ferries and commercial boats.
Bush-Alebiosu said the initiative aligns with the state government’s commitment to strengthening Lagos’ multimodal transportation system through the integration of road, rail, and water transport networks.
He further revealed that the government had commenced the installation of modern concrete floating pontoons at selected jetties to modernise waterways infrastructure and improve passenger experience.
According to him, the project, being implemented by the Ministry of Waterfront Infrastructure Development, is aimed at providing safer, more durable, and efficient docking facilities for ferries and passenger boats.
He explained that the floating pontoons are designed to adjust to changing water levels, unlike traditional wooden jetties, thereby ensuring safer boarding and disembarkation for commuters.
The commissioner noted that installation works are ongoing at Agboyi Ketu in Kosofe, Ijegun Egba in Amuwo Odofin, and Bayeku in Ikorodu, while additional locations have been earmarked for similar upgrades.
Other jetties scheduled for improvement include Ebute Ero on Lagos Island, Ijede in Ikorodu, Apa in Badagry, Mile 2 in Amuwo Odofin, and Mowo in Ojo.
Bush-Alebiosu said the projects would enhance safety on Lagos waterways, promote economic activities in riverine communities, and further strengthen the state’s transportation network.
He reiterated the state government’s commitment to sustained investment in waterfront infrastructure to unlock the economic and transportation potential of Lagos waterways.
