Tag: LAGFERRY

The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Lagos State Ferry Services (LAGFERRY), AbdoulBaq Ladi Balogun, has said the agency is utilising the waterways to showcase the beauty of Lagos.

He made this known during boat ride event tagged: ‘Ignite Lagos 2.0 Water Steeze’ edition.

Balogun explained that the programme was to welcome Lagosians to a new year, saying that it was a yearly programme showcasing the beauty of Lagos to the world.

He stated that LAGFERRY is bringing entertainment and tourism to the waterways.

“Apart from the regular transportation on the waterways, transporting goods and people in Lagos, one can actually have fun in a relaxed atmosphere while on board a boat on the waterways.

“We are demonstrating to the world that Lagos State is an ideal spot for entertainment and tourism, but this time on the waterways,” he said.

He noted that the success of the first edition had translated into several memoranda of understanding and business interests, as private sector individuals had approached them for collaboration.

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“I assure you that by next year’s edition, the private sector would have taken it over. When we had International Women’s Day in March 2021, the 2022 and 2023 editions were taken over by the private sector, and it has continued to this day,” he explained.

According to him, Lagos was doing much to tap into that huge potential in the marine economy.

This, he said, was to strategically position Lagos Ferry Services, taking care of the commercial end of water transportation.

Balogun noted that ever since Lagos waterways had witnessed a revolution in terms of watercraft equipment, jetty development, and terminal building, and even equipment.

“The boat we are presenting to the world today is actually built in Lagos and is comparable to any boat one can see all over the world in terms of safety gadgets and other things that make for a good sailing experience.

“This is exactly what we are offering to the world through Lagos State Ferry Services,” he said.

The Managing Director of Lagos State Ferry Services (LAGFERRY), Abdoulbaq Ladi Balogun, has called on the staff to be more efficient and put in their best to improve revenue generation of the agency.

Balogun spoke  in Lagos at the Three-Day management retreat tagged ‘Leveraging on the waterways assets for improved revenue generation’.

According to him, water transportation is a viable alternative to high cost of road transportation. He urged Lagosians to patronise water transportation.

Balogun explained that the process of revenue generation has taken a new dimension with the recent launch of ‘Lagos Revenue Portal’ by the state government, urging the staff to key into the initiative in deepening the revenue of the agency.

He added that the agency would ensure the blockage of all revenue leakages to improve performance, adding that the retreat was an avenue to brainstorm strategies needed for deepening revenue generation.

Balogun said the agency is working hard to achieve its core mandate, stating that the agency is doing more to decongest the roads through the waterways.

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He stated that the agency is engaging more in advocacy and confidence building among the people on the essence and benefits of using the waterways for businesses and mobility.

He explained that with the existence of 20 boats, the agency has been able to commute two million people since its inception in 2020.

The LAGFERRY boss said the state cannot rely on one mode of transportation considering its large population, adding that waterways had contributed immensely in reducing pressure on road transportation and that the agency has also helped in moving businesses on the waterways.

Balogun said the integration of the transportation system in Lagos had helped boost the local economy and make life easy for the people, stating that the multimodal transportation system is functional and purposeful and that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu is intentional about integrating the transportation system.

He added that more private sector operators had shown interest in the waterways transportation, adding the State is doing everything to harness the blue economy for local economic development.

Balogun said the agency would be more dynamic in the delivery of its services to Lagosians, adding that the agency would come up with more initiatives to boost revenue.

“We have programmes that can be monetized and that would bring in more money for the partners, the agency and the State government. In this wise, we will be more creative and think deeply on how to monetise our initiatives for the betterment of the people,” said Balogun.

Commissioner for Transportation, Mr Seun Osiyemi, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Wale Musa, encouraged the people to use the waterways for business and transportation, saying it is the most safest and convenient mode of transportation.

Osiyemi stated that the integration of the transportation system would help boost the economy and ease the stress on Lagosians.

He urged the staff of the agency to scale up performance and be more efficient in revenue generation, adding that the state government would do everything to ensure the core mandate of the agency is achieved.

Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Taxation and Revenue, Mr Opeyemi Ogungbo, explained that with the existence of the Lagos Revenue Portal (LRP), LAGFERRY could view the bills paid by the users to the agency and also the users could pay with their cowry card wallets.

Ogungbo said the capacity building would entrench quality service delivery, adding that the teeming users of LAGFERRY would experience world-class services.

In a bid to woo Lagosians at various councils in the state, the Lagos Ferry Service (LAGFERRY), has organized a boat cruise with Fuji musicians treating riders to a unique experience.

The breathtaking experience, themed ‘Fuji Lori Omi,’ is aimed toward blending entertainment, tourism, and transportation to showcase the potential of Lagos’ waterways for hospitality, leisure, and economic growth.

The gentle swaying of the boat and the soothing sound of music performed by A-list Fuji musicians like Wasiu Alabi Odetola (aka Pasuma wonder); Sulaiman Adio (aka Atawewe); Sulaiman Alao Adekunle (aka Malaika) and Toyin Ololade, create a peaceful ambience, making it a perfect environment for relaxation.

LAGFERRY’s Managing Director of Lagos State Ferry Services, Abdoulbaq Ladi Balogun, said the boat cruise is a historic event, highlighting the significance of showcasing renowned artists in the music industry to promote Lagos as a hub for water tourism.

He underscored the importance of leveraging the vast water resources in Lagos State for economic development, with a particular focus on water transportation and the blue economy.

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Balogun emphasised the support and encouragement received from Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to explore the untapped potential of Lagos’ water bodies. He noted that a significant portion of Lagos State is covered by water, prompting the need to maximize the benefits of the blue economy.

“The focus on Fuji music for the event was a deliberate choice to highlight the traditional roots of Lagos and its rich cultural heritage. The event served as a platform to not only showcases the talents of these Legendary Fuji artists but also to promote the diverse offerings of Lagos State in terms of tourism and entertainment,” he said.

He reiterated the importance of integrating creativity, tourism, and Blue economy in leveraging the water resources of Lagos for sustainable development.

Commissioner for Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Mrs Toke Benson, said the event was designed to demonstrate the various activities that can take place on the waterways, including parties, transportation, and work.

Applauding LAGFERRY’s initiative, Odetola emphasized the importance of showcasing what Lagos has to offer to both residents and visitors.

He addressed the improper waste disposal, highlighting the negative impact of refuse ending up in the sea.

General Manager of Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) Damilola Emmanuel, said Fuji Fusion is a showcase of Lagos in style, on the waterways, representing tourism at its best.”