Boat operators in Lagos, especially those operating within the Liverpool , Ijegun and Ojo axis have all called on the maritime regulatory agencies, to remove critical wrecks from the waters saying that the continued presence of these wrecks hamper navigation.
The operators specifically urged the Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), the Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA) and the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) that critical wrecks are visible on the waters.
Shipping Position Daily correspondent who was taken to some spots where some of these wrecks were spotted by the operators confirmed two deadly wrecks within the Tin Can Island waters.
Our correspondent however confirmed one of the wrecks at the Ibru jetties very close to Folawiyo Tank farm while the other one was spotted at the Kirikiri axis
The operators condemned media reports that Lagos waters are free from wrecks, adding that waters in the state still have wrecks that have gone aground.
The speed boat operators also said the wrecks are scattered all over the inland waters of the state.
A cross section of the operators who spoke with our correspondent however acknowledged that the rate of robbery on the Lagos waters is low, but lamented that the wrecks pose a major threat to their business.
According to them, transport business in the evening thrives but most of the operators are afraid because of some the wrecks found in that axis.
They call on NIMASA, NPA and NIWA to remove some of the wrecks on Lagos brown waters to encourage smooth flow of water transportation.
But one of them; Babatunde Olabode faulted media reports about causes of recent accident on Lagos waters; he attributed the mishaps to wrecks on the inland waters.
He also confirmed that night navigation still exist despite NIWA's directives.
According to him, passengers are well kitted with the right safety gadgets before navigation.
The boat operator also said that passengers that patronise water transport have increased compared to last year and more investors are looking towards water transportation.
He revealed that the business has created massive employment in the last two years for Nigerians.
He also called on the agencies to support and encourage water transportation.
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