The Lagos State Government officially commissioned fifteen Omnibus ferries, each capable of conveying 40 passengers, made in Nigeria.
During the opening, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu stated that the omnibus ferries’ goal was to revolutionize the state’s public transportation infrastructure.
“In our THEMES agenda, traffic management and transportation fall directly in the remit of what we are doing here today.
“The city’s economy can only expand and people’s ability to perceive economic value and have predictable travel times is dependent upon the availability of an efficient, effective, and dependable public transportation system. Moving from one place to another requires less time, money, and effort when using water transportation.
This is to guarantee that the economy and companies may expand and prosper,” he stated.
Sanwo-Olu said, “The ferries were supposed to be twenty-five, but we were only able to deliver fifteen because of the urgency of where we are and the need to show that backward integration was possible in Nigeria.”
He claims that the 22 imported ferries that were launched from this site two years ago were the final ones. The ships we are turning over today are built locally to worldwide standards, which makes me glad; the engines, however, are not from elsewhere.
In order to prevent tragedies on the canal, he pleaded with private ferry operators to pay attention to their regulators and adhere to set movement times.
“Those regulations must be upheld by the National Inland Waterways Authority and the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA), regardless of the individuals affected; once the designated time for cessation of movement is reached, no one shall be permitted to move on the waterways,” he said.
The new Omibus ferries’ introduction, according to Commissioner of Transportation Mr. Oluwaseun Osiyemi, is evidence of their shared dedication to raising everyone in Lagos’ standard of living.
“This initiative reflects our unwavering dedication to progress and innovation, as it is a bold step towards achieving a more efficient, sustainable, and accessible transportation system.”The goal of the Omibus Ferries project is to revolutionize not just transportation but also our way of life.
It aims to strengthen relationships between communities, promote economic expansion, and lessen the stress and traffic that frequently accompany our everyday travels.
“A new era of convenience and efficiency in Lagos is being heralded by these state-of-the-art ferries, which boast modern amenities and safety features to ensure passengers have a comfortable and secure journey,” the speaker stated.
He went on to say that the Omibus Ferries represented more than simply a means of transportation; they also stood for the state’s overall goal of creating a dynamic, resilient, and forward-thinking Lagos.
The Omibus ferries that were put into service, according to Caverton Offshore Support Group CEO Mr. Olabode Makanjuola, represented the company’s constant dedication to quality, safety, and innovation.
Makanjuola stated that the ferries that had received certification from the Standard Organization of Nigeria and Bureau Veritas both had all the necessary safety equipment to guarantee that travelers would have a pleasant and safe ride.
“This event marks a significant advancement for Lagos’ entire water transportation system as well as a momentous achievement for Caverton Marine.”Caverton has been offering maritime services and oil and gas logistics services.
We are honored to be able to apply our knowledge to one of the most urgent issues Lagosians face: persistent traffic congestion.
The Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) General Manager, Mr. Oluwadamilola Emmanuel, had earlier stated that the introduction of contemporary ferries built in Nigeria was evidence of the committed work done by the Lagos State Government to advance water transportation.
He pointed out that the goal of the Omibus ferry project was to increase our ability to service the increasing number of commuters who depend on water transportation on a daily basis, rather than merely adding additional boats.
“With their environmentally friendly designs that minimize negative effects on the environment, they stand for our dedication to sustainability, resilience, and innovation.
“Our objective is to furnish a feasible substitute means of transportation, consequently aiding in the financial expansion and environmental durability of Lagos State,” he said.
According to the head of LASWA, the organization’s dedication to sustainable development has won praise and recognition from across the world thanks to collaborations with prestigious international organizations including the UK NIAF, the Future Cities Nigeria Project of the UK Government, and the continuing Waterways Investment.