Lagos Ferry To Start Operations In November - See What The Ferries Look Like

The Lagos State Government, through the Lagos State Ferry Services, LAGFERRY, will ferry an average of 480,000 passengers via the waterways as it progresses in its commercial operations due to commence next month in commemoration of 200 days of the Sanwo-Olu led administration.

The Honourable Commissioner for Transportation, Dr Frederic Oladeinde disclosed this during his working visit to the LAGFERRY office at Mile-2, alongside the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr Olawale Musa and other management staff.

He lauded the agency’s efforts and preparations on advancing water transportation including boat tests, and critical assessment of 30 key routes with the aid of drones, promising the Ministry's support to ensure that the agency remains effective to sustain the safe use of the waterways by citizens.

Oladeinde also stated that the agency will work hand in hand with LAMATA to incorporate the ferry system into the central ticketing and billing system to coordinate the modes of transportation in the State.

The Managing Director, LAGFERRY, Mr Abdoulbaq Ladi-Balogun, while briefing the Commissioner, stated that the agency is working with its counterparts, the Lagos State Waterways Authority, LASWA, the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources as well as the Ministry of Waterfront Infrastructure to rid the water channels of wreckages and debris which are the main causes of mishaps on the waterways.

He revealed that the agency is looking to drive its operations via technology by creating an application that will allow passengers to make online ticket bookings for their trips ahead of time to create ease and reduce loading time.

Ladi-Balogun also mentioned that the agency is keen on commencing commercial boat activities, through its already existing routes, to decongest the roads and ultimately ease movement from one place to another, adding that riverine communities like coconut, Snake Island, Badagry and Ikorodu are clamouring for effective waterways transportation along the axis.

He proferred that goods and vehicles could also be moved off the roads to their various destinations on water through high capacity barges.

According to LAGFerry, in a bid to ensure a wonderful experience on our ferries, we are providing free wifi to every passenger on board as well as an electrical power outlet to charge your phones and gadgets. We are putting a lot into consideration.

See photos of the ferries that will launch as from November.

The MD of LAGFerry

Wireless Spot for Phones and Charging

See How You Can Book For #UberBOAT, Schedule Of Trips And Locations In Lagos

Since the launch of UberBOAT in Lagos, many have been asking about the route and how affordable it is. We have some information that you may need about this new mode of transportation.

If you need to beat traffic or be on time, simply book your trip and head out for a ride across Lagos waters.

UberBOAT will be available only on weekdays for the next 2 weeks starting from 11 to 25 October 2019.

UberBOAT will be travelling along the following routes:

Ikorodu - Falomo in the morning. (N500 per trip)

Falomo - Ikorodu in the evening. (N500 per trip)

The cruise schedule below will help you plan your trips:

Schedule
Departure (From Ikorodu in the morning)
Boat 1: 7:00am
Boat 2: 8:00am

Arrival (At Falomo)
Boat 1: 7:30am
Boat 2: 8:30am

Departure (From Falomo in the evening)
Boat 1: 4:00pm
Boat 2: 5:00pm

Arrival (At Ikorodu)
Boat 1: 4:35pm
Boat 2: 5:35pm

Quick simple steps to book your boat ride:

Pre-booking

• Click on t.uber.com/bookuberboat to reserve a seat on the boat, bookings need to be made 24hrs ahead
  
• Ensure it is your Uber signup details that is used to complete the booking
  
• You will get a confirmation email and Uber riders also get a 50% discount to take a ride to and from the jetty

On the day of the trip

• Take an UberX to your pick up Jetty (LASWA Boat Jetty, Falomo Ikoyi or Ikorodu Ferry Terminal). Quick tip – Arrive at the jetty 30mins before cruise time to settle in for your trip!
  
• Open your Uber App and select UberBOAT. Quick tip – Boat view will only be available at the Jetties
  
• Input either of the pickup and drop off points (LASWA Boat Jetty, Falomo Ikoyi or Ikorodu Ferry Terminal)
  
• A PIN will be generated which can be used to secure your spot on the boat
  
• Uber support staffers will be at the Jetties to help with Boat booking

The cruise schedule below will help you plan your trips:

 Quick tip – Boat view will only be available at the Jetties.
The waterway service, UberBOAT, is operated in partnership with local boat operator Texas Connection Ferries and the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA)

"The initiative is aimed at providing commuters with an easy and affordable way to get in and out of the city's business districts."

Lagos State Govt Begins Immediate Clearing Of Water Hyacinth From Ikorodu Terminal - Photos

It was earlier reported today that water hyacinth has taken over the Ikorodu Water Terminal which makes it difficult to boats to navigate the waters. 

We have it on good authority that the Lagos State Government through the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) has commenced clearing of the water hyacinth. Pegging of the ferry route channel commenced last week and manual clearing has already started at the Ipakodo terminal also called Ikorodu Terminal.

These are exclusive pictures obtained by AutoReportNG

Lagos State Begins Test Run of Lagos Ferry Boats - Photos

The Lagos State Government today began the testing of the Lagos Ferry, Mr. Abdoulbaq Ladi Balogun MD/CEO Lagos State Ferry Services Company along with members of his team did a test run of the Lagos State boats. It will be recalled that the former gov of Lagos State, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode did the commissioning early May when he was rounding off his administration, he also did the commissioning of Ilaje Jetty but the boats have not been put into used since then.

The introduction of these boats will go along way by making the roads free of cars and also providing world-class treatment for Lagos residents.

These are images of the 60-seat capacity of the boats as obtained by AutoReportNG.

Sanwo-Olu Receives British High Commissioner, Discusses Partnership in Water Transportation

The British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Ms Catriona Laing, on Friday met with Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, to discuss bilateral partnership, which focused on three key areas of common interest – technology-driven water transportation, investment and smart city initiative.

The Governor, in company of his deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, received the British envoy and her entourage in his office for the bilateral meeting, which was held behind closed doors.

The envoy said the meeting was necessary, as it was in continuation of a dialogue with Lagos State government on areas of partnership.

Addressing reporters after the meeting, Ms Laing said discussion with the Governor and his deputy focused on strategies to be adopted by the Lagos government and private sector partners to enable Lagos realise its aspirations to be a leading city in technology and innovation on the African continent.

She said: “There are three topics in particular that we discussed. The first is around the Governor’s vision and how the United Kingdom (UK) can support Lagos to achieve that vision. Technology is changing the world. Lagos is one of the few city-states in Africa that is well positioned to take advantage of the fourth industrial revolution around innovation, robotics and artificial intelligence.

“The Governor is very clear on achieving this objective. He said his job is to provide necessary infrastructure, particularly power and broadband. At the back of that, the private sector will come in and support in that aspiration.”

The envoy said there was a discussion around the African Investment Summit holding in London next January in which 20 African countries, including Nigeria, would be participating. The summit, she said, would come with significant benefits for Lagos, because of unrestrained access to investors and finance.

She said the summit would offer a platform for Nigeria to rebrand itself by convincing some of the investors on how it is solving some of its challenges, especially in security and infrastructure.

Ms Laing said the UK would be willing to support Lagos specifically in two key areas of harnessing the waterways for efficient transportation and digital inclusion, which are the hallmarks of smart cities.

She said: “There are two specific projects we are helping Nigeria to achieve in Lagos. One is around future cities, which focus on how Lagos could use its waterways. The second is around digital inclusion, bearing in mind that Lagos is an innovation hub. We want to ensure that there is inclusive approach to technology and training people to take advantage of the opportunity.”

The envoy described the meeting with Governor Sanwo-Olu and his deputy as rewarding, noting that the British High Commission would be looking forward to achieving the goals with Lagos government.

These State of The Art Ferries Will Be Used At The New Bariga Waterfront Jetty - Photos

The Lagos State Government is leaving no stones unturned to make sure that the state is motorable and conducive for use. The new Ilaje Waterfront Jetty will be commissioned today by the outgoing govenor of Lagos State, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode. Mr. Ambode today unveil state of the art ferries that will ply the axis, according to him, this will be part of efforts to scale up water transportation in Lagos and also to decongest traffic across the road.

"It is pertinent to note that the Lagos State Government has procured seven ferries, five of which will be commissioned and they are named after monumental events, notable towns and Lagos deities as a reminder of our historical values. The names are –Itesiwaju Eko, Ipakodo, Alausa, Adamu-Orisa, Ejinrin, Eko-Akete, and Zangbeto. These are ferries that the citizens will find comfortable, safe as well as affordable.
Named Bariga Waterfront Jetty, the ferry terminal is an initiative of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode’s administration to further scale up the integrated transportation system of the State Government aimed at ensuring seamless connectivity within the State.

The state-of-the-art jetty is situated at the tail end of the upgraded Ilaje Road which provides access to the terminal from Akoka Road, abuts the lagoon front facing the Third Mainland Bridge.

It sits on a reclaimed land area of over 2000 square meter with facilities such as generous parking area that can conveniently accommodate 150 cars and ample space for park and ride buses for those that will want to park their cars to get to their various destinations through the terminal by ferry.