The Lagos State Government is adopting technology-driven water transportation with the berthing of the Lagos Ferry Services (LAGFERRY) Electronic Fleet (E-Fleet) Surveillance System.
A statement signed by the Director, Public Affairs Unit of LAGFERRY, Mr Akeem Odusina, revealed that it was part of the deliberate efforts by the Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration in fulfilling its T. H. E. M. E. S.+ Agenda.
The agenda ensures sustainable water transportation service as a reliable mode in the matrix of Multi-Modal Public Transportation Systems of rail, road and water.
The system drives home the innovative dexterity of Gov. Sanwo-Olu’s administration and justifies the steady investments by the government, to make life abundantly meaningful for the residents and visitors to Lagos State.
“This is one of the hallmarks of the resilience of the smart, megacity which Lagos typifies.
“The E-Fleet Surveillance System, known as E-Fleet, is a functional real-time technology that tracks ferries and provides vital information, including the location, speed, condition and surrounding environment of the boats.
“This information will enable LAGFERRY to monitor and manage the operations of its fleet effectively 24/7.”
It will also “ensure passenger safety and confidence through installed tracking cameras, leading to improved ridership and help in the management of fuel, to achieve maximum value,” the statement said.
On the significance of the E-Fleet system, LAGFERRY’s Managing Director, Abdoulbaq Ladi Balogun, stated that “it is a milestone in the state government’s drive towards a sustainable and efficient water transportation system.”
He said the system was in line with the goal to reduce traffic congestion on roads and promote a multi-modal transportation system.
“As water transportation is gradually becoming a culture among Lagosians, the adoption of technology-driven water transportation is a significant step in our efforts to modernise our transportation system.
“This is expected to provide a more convenient and safer mode of transportation for residents and visitors to the city, reduce road traffic congestion, harvest of reliable data and contribute to the overall economic growth of the state.”
It will also ensure sustainable water transportation system as the next frontier for Lagos economy, he said.
Balogun explained that the e-fleet system would enhance safety control, ensure speedy response to emergencies and reinforce the passengers’ confidence in water transportation.
According to him, the technology will undoubtedly strengthen its agency’s capacity to deliver on its mandate.
The managing director further stated that the surveillance system was a robust technology which provided data on water traffic, boats performance, weather conditions, and other important information, and had its control centre at the agency’s Operation Base at Mile 2 Terminal.
“It is being constantly monitored by trained, competent professionals; and further demonstrate the commitment of this administration to establish the industry’s standards in providing conducive environment for private sector investments,” he said.
LAGFERRY, which relaunched its commercial operations in February 2020 from Badore Terminal in Eti-Osa Local Government Area, has been steadily growing its fleet of watercraft to improve the water transportation infrastructure in Lagos.
