• Repositions water transportation to ease traffic
By Lukman Olabiyi
•Lagos Waterfront, Ozumba Mbadiwe Road, Victoria Island
Lagos State is moving to revolutionise water transportation and bolster safety on its waterways. It is also a strategy to combat headlong its perennial gridlock.
This indication came into limelight following the recent government’s unveiling of plans to construct 13 new jetties. Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Yacoob Ekudayo Alebiosu, said this would enhance connectivity and foster economic growth.
He explained: “These new jetties will play vital roles in expanding avenues for water transportation, ultimately reducing travel time and distance for communities. Since its creation in 2007, this ministry has been assigned with the responsibility for rapid development and protection of the state waterfronts.
“The idea is to create a better and balanced environment for economic development and preservation of the eco-system that will enable the beneficial use of our waterfronts for recreation, tourism, commerce and housing.
“The ministry embarked on projects in line with the THEME PLUS Agenda of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu. The projects are aimed towards the achievement of an efficient integrated multimodal transportation system, opening new areas to increase land availability for new housing schemes and curbing all illegalities along the waterfronts including illegal dredging to make our waterfronts accessible and safe for all.
“Evidently, all these were attainable due to the intense hard work and total commitment demonstrated in the execution of our statutory responsibilities. When the newn project are completed, the jetties are expected to promote safe and easy water transportation, reduce pressure on roads and enhance commerce and tourism.”
Alebiosu said the reclamation and development of 150 hectares at Majidun-Awori, Ikorodu, was aimed at unlocking the region’s economic potential through commercial and real estate development:
“Looking at the infrastructural development and upgrade of the state in the past one year, it can be categorically said that the status of Lagos State has improved tremendously, ranking as one of the foremost commercial and social hubs in sub-Saharan Africa. This revolution could also be attributed to the massive transformation and reformative policies and programmes of this administration towards changing the face of Lagos State.
“The ministry has been a foremost catalyst in facilitating and enabling the provision of infrastructure and service by harnessing resources to ensure a well-protected environment that is attractive to tourists and observers. This is geared towards promoting economic growth and wellbeing of the state.”
Alebiosu also provided updates on the Eko Atlantic City project, which he said, “has made significant strides in combating shoreline erosion and spurring economic activity.”
Chairman, Committee on Waterfront Infrastructure Development in the state House of Assembly, Gbolahan Yishawu, emphasised the critical importance of waterfront infrastructure: “Governors are in charge of land and they operate through state ministries. This underscores the constitutional mandate guiding land governance.”
The unveiling of these transformative projects signifies a new chapter in Lagos State’s development trajectory, promising enhanced connectivity, economic prosperity and sustainable urban growth along its vibrant waterfronts.
As construction progresses, the vision of a dynamic, water-centric urban landscape draws ever closer, heralding a future of opportunity and progress for all Lagosians.