- Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State (middle), flanked by government and community leaders, commissioning the 15 OmiBus boats at the Badore Jetty in Lagos…Wednesday
By Anthony Nwachukkwu
As part of efforts to enhance residents’ daily transit experience through safer, faster and more comfortable trips, the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Wednesday launched 15 OmiBus boats for the state’s waterways transportation system.
Commissioning the boats at the Badore Jetty in Ajah axis of Lagos, Sanwo-Olu said the 40-passenger modern boats built by Carverton Marine as the first phase of the planned 25 boats, were fully built locally, except for their imported engines, with an eye on improving inland waterways transportation and setting standards.
According to the governor, the expansion of the water transport infrastructure is meant to achieve a more efficient, sustainable and accessible transportation system, reflecting the government’s unwavering dedication to progress, innovation.
He explained that a voyage in the boat takes about 27 minutes from Falomo in Ikoyi to Badore in Ajah for a journey that would last about an hour or more by road, “thus reducing time and cost of transportation by road,” adding that “the boats are reliable, conducive, comfortable and very safe.”
Sanwo-Olu further disclosed that LASWA has distributed over 20,000 free life-jackets in the past two years, he urged boat operators to comply with safety and other rules of engagement on waterways, while tasking the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) and LASWA to enforce safety compliance on waterways, including time of movement and passenger capacity, to ensure safety.
Stressing the beauty of the state’s intermodal transportation system, as well as the Cowry Card payment system boosting the integration, he called on passengers to maintain safety culture while using the facility as their contribution to maintaining public infrastructure, adding that the boats were built for Lagosians to raise their standard of living.
According to him, the boats will provide reliable, comfortable and predictable journey devoid of congestion, as against what is often experienced on the road.
On his part, the Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Seun Osiyemi, said the new Omi-Bus Ferries are testament to the collective commitment to enhancing the quality of life for all Lagos residents.
“The Omi-Bus Ferries project is not just about improving transportation, it is about transforming the way we live and move; it is about connecting communities, fostering economic growth and reducing the stress and congestion that often characterize our daily commutes.”
He added that the ferries have modern amenities and safety features, which “ensure passengers a comfortable and secure journey, and heralding a new era of convenience and efficiency in Lagos.
Earlier, the General Manager of LASWA, Mr. Oluwadamilola Emmanuel, said “these unique modern boats are equipped with revolutionary technology to ensure all commuters’ safety, comfort and convenience” and “represent our commitment to sustainability, resilience and innovation, featuring eco-friendly designs that minimise environmental impact.”
According to him, through safety awareness strategies, LASWA has significantly increased ridership figures and reduced waterway accidents, facilitated multi-modal transport connections and integration at several jetties by introducing the Cowry Cards payment solution, Last-Mile Transfer Buses, and Park-and-Ride facilities.
He described the agency as the ideal for reliable data, research materials and accurate time information on Lagos inland waterways, adding that “with a state-of-the-art Waterways Monitoring and Data Management Center, LASWA is committed to providing reliable services.”
