The Managing Director of the Lagos State Ferry Service (LAGFERRY), Hon. Ladi Balogun, has reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to ensuring safe, efficient, and timely water transportation for Lagos residents.
Balogun gave the assurance on Saturday at LAGFERRY’s annual thanksgiving service held in the Amuwo-Odofin area of Lagos.
Reflecting on the history of the agency, the Managing Director highlighted the significant contributions of successive Lagos State governors to the growth and sustainability of water transportation in the state, noting that their collective efforts laid the foundation for LAGFERRY’s effective operations.
He particularly acknowledged the support of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu since 2019, stating that the administration has made substantial investments in the water transportation sector.
According to him, LAGFERRY was established in 1923 during the colonial era and later became a structured organisation in 1980 under the administration of the late Governor Lateef Jakande. He noted that the ferry terminal where the event was held was also built in 1980, adding that the Commissioner for Transportation and Works at the time was the father of the current Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat.
Balogun further explained that in 2000, former Lagos State Governor and current President of Nigeria, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, formally transformed water transportation in the state with the establishment of the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) as the regulator and LAGFERRY as the commercial operator. He said subsequent administrations, including those of former Governors Babatunde Raji Fashola and Akinwunmi Ambode, sustained and expanded the multimodal transportation vision for Lagos.
He said Governor Sanwo-Olu, upon assuming office in 2019, made a deliberate effort to consolidate previous gains in the sector, leading to massive investments in water transportation. Balogun noted that while the agency previously operated with only one or two commercial boats, the Sanwo-Olu administration injected eight world-class ferries into the LAGFERRY fleet within the first six months in office and later increased the number to 20 within a year.
“To whom much is given, much is expected. That is why we continue to appreciate Governor Sanwo-Olu for providing what we believe is the best water transportation system in the country,” Balogun said. He added that ongoing initiatives such as the OmiBus project, private-sector partnerships, and the €410 million Omi-Eko project would permanently transform water transportation in Lagos State.
He assured that the agency would continue to prioritise safety and efficiency in ferry operations.
In her remarks, Mrs. Morenike Oki, who represented the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Transportation, Mr. Olawale Musa, expressed satisfaction with the agency’s performance and commended staff members for supporting the Managing Director in achieving the agency’s mandate.
Meanwhile, the Special Adviser to Governor Sanwo-Olu on Christian Affairs, Rev. Bukola Adeleke, and the Special Adviser on Islamic Affairs, Dr. Ahmad Jebe, offered prayers for the agency, Governor Sanwo-Olu, and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
