Engineer Matthew Alalade (President Merchant Navy)
Our government has not harnessed the potentials of water transportation. Apart from international trade through the sea, water transportation can freight passengers from Nigeria to other West African coast. This is one mode of transportation in Nigeria that can help the road because our roads and rail are in decay states. I think government needs to sensitize both local and foreign business moguls to invest in water transport and even the investors should look beyond a particular location and explore inter- state mode of transportation whereby a ship can take passengers from Lagos to Calabar, Port Harcourt to Warri or Yenagoa and within other coastal states. Ship cruise should also be encourage in the country because it can serve as tourist attraction to those who want to enjoy good life at sea and there is also the need for government to focus on such goldmine initiatives and sell it to both local and foreign investors.
Pius David (Stakeholder)
The government can make a fortune from water transportation if well harnessed but I think the sub sector has not been properly developed because of the current structures in place. Supposing the water transport sub sector is properly developed then I can tell you that Nigerians will patronise it than any other mode considering the fact that our roads and rail are less developed mode. Safety on our waterways for instance needs to be looked into because we still lack safety measures on our waters. Again the ferry captains are not properly trained on how to navigate the inland waters, therefore there is need to check these captains from time to time just like what stakeholders are proposing for road drivers as well for them to carry out test driving before issuance of drivers licenses to them.
Isiaka Olalere (JCOST)
Water transport is a goldmine business, if government is ready to invest, partner, encourage and support investors in such project. This mode of transportation will help the roads and rails. It is heavily dependent on the government because people who are ready to invest in such ventures are afraid because of government’s inconsistent policies. The fact still remains that water transport can help many of us who patronise it, but there is need for government to understand and know why people are finding it difficult to invest in such projects.
Comrade Sylvester Keshinro (Transporter)
The business is capital intensive, but we still want the government to provide a level playing field for such businesses to thrive. Water transport business is bleeding because there are some structures that have been abandoned by government; most especially the Mile 2 jetty which as far as I am concerned is very strategic for water transport to thrive in Lagos state, therefore the Lagos State Government needs to look inward and make that facility viable again, because it will go a long way in generating more revenue for the government and I believe same is applicable in other coastal states in Nigeria. It is important for government to put structures in place to encourage water transport in the country.
Comrade Tope Fajemirokun (Water Transporter)
It is obvious that passengers in Lagos State prefer water transport, but the cost is also a factor when compared to that of road and that is why we are calling on government to look into the area of petroleum pump price, because it has actually scared passengers away. We also want to government at both central and state levels to assist us with buoy on the coast, because at night we find it difficult to navigate safely and it’s another reason passengers don't normally patronise us. The waterways are not very lit at night.
Comrade Owolabi Omotayo (Water Transport Operator)
For the past few years starting from the administration of the past government of Mr Babatunde Fashola the government of Lagos state had invested heavily in the improvement of waterways transportation in the state. The government had built many waterways transportation jetties for boats landing to embark and disembark waterways passengers. The government of Lagos had also established the Safety Marshalls at all passengers loading jetties in the state to enhance safety and compliance to safety rules and regulations by boat operators. This has greatly reduced the rate of boat accidents and mishaps. With these unrelenting efforts by the present administration of Governor Ambode to improving the waterways transportation, many Lagosians now enjoy using the waterway; it is fast and free from traffic hold up.
Atoloye Joseph (Customs Broker)
Honestly our leaders are not a listening one, otherwise I see no reason for government not to invest in water transportation. Funny enough when they travel overseas they patronise waterways transportation but getting back home, it appears that they are interested in such. We all know the potential of water transportation to our economy and the pressure it relieves from our roads. I will advise the Lagos State Government and the Minister of Transportation to work closer and tap the enormous benefits from waterways transportation because it has so many benefits for the government and the people of this country.
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