Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has raised concerns over the continued issuance of sand-filling licenses on Lagos waterways by the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), warning that the practice threatens the sustainability and safety of the state’s water transport system.
Speaking through his deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, at the 2025 Regional Ferry Safety Conference in Lagos on Wednesday, the Governor called on NIWA to immediately halt the approval of sand-filling activities on the state’s inland waterways, describing it as detrimental to the environment and the long-term viability of ferry transportation.
According to the deputy governor, Lagos has in the past enjoyed strong collaboration with NIWA but stressed that the relationship must now be deepened to address critical safety and environmental issues.
“We must say it clearly: NIWA must stop giving licenses for sand filling in Lagos waters,” Hamzat declared. “The collaboration between Lagos State and NIWA used to be very strong, but we must now return to that deep collaboration. We need to work closely to protect our waterways and ensure that safety and sustainability are not compromised.”
The deputy governor’s remarks signal growing frustration from Lagos authorities over activities that may be undermining the state’s aggressive push to promote water transport as a viable alternative to road congestion.
Sand filling has long been a contentious issue in Lagos, with critics warning that indiscriminate dredging and land reclamation reduce waterways’ capacity, alter navigation channels, and pose significant safety risks to ferry operators and passengers.
Hamzat emphasized that beyond investing in jetties, terminals, patrol boats, and digital monitoring systems, the protection of the waterways’ natural ecosystem is crucial to sustaining the growth of ferry operations in the state.
“We must remember that safety is not only about the vessels and the passengers but also about the integrity of the waterways themselves,” he said. “If we allow sand filling to continue unchecked, we are jeopardizing the very future of our inland water transport.”
The deputy governor’s call for tighter regulation comes as Lagos State positions itself as a leader in ferry safety and waterway transportation in the region.
The two-day Regional Ferry Safety Conference brought together key stakeholders, including policymakers, ferry operators, regulators, and international partners to chart a new course for safer, more sustainable ferry operations across West and Central Africa.
NIWA was represented at the conference by the Head of Marine, Elsie Egwuatu, who stood in for the agency’s Managing Director, Mr. Bola Oyebamiji.
Governor Sanwo-Olu, through his deputy, urged all stakeholders to forge a deeper partnership focused on ferry safety, environmental protection, and sustainable water transport development.
“The future of our waterways depends on collaboration,” Hamzat said. “It is time to strengthen the bonds between Lagos State and NIWA. Together, we can build a safer, cleaner, and more efficient ferry system for generations to come.”
