The Lagos State Government has completed over 50 kilometres of channelisation works across key ferry routes as part of efforts to improve water transportation in the state. The project, under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu's THEMES+ agenda, targeted major corridors including the 14.8km Ikorodu–Mende and Ikorodu–Agboyi routes in Kosofe Local Government Area, the Five Cowries–Lekki–Lagoon–Parkview and Banana Island channels, and the Ilado–Ilashe–Odofin channel in Amuwo Odofin. According to Waterfront Infrastructure Development Commissioner Hon Dayo Bush Alebiosu, the works aim to enhance navigation, reduce boat accidents caused by submerged hazards, and mitigate erosion in waterfront communities. Navigation buoys have been installed across the routes to guide ferry and commercial boat operators.
Alebiosu disclosed the progress during a ministerial press briefing at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre, where he presented his two-year stewardship report. The Lagos State Ministry of Waterfront Infrastructure Development (MWID) is also installing modern concrete floating pontoons at selected jetties to replace traditional wooden structures. These pontoons are designed to adjust to fluctuating water levels, ensuring safer boarding and disembarkation for passengers. They are also more durable and environmentally sustainable, capable of supporting increased vessel and passenger traffic.
Ongoing installations are taking place at Agboyi Ketu in Kosofe, Ijegun Egba in Amuwo Odofin, and Bayeku in Ikorodu. Additional locations set to receive the pontoons include Ebute Ero on Lagos Island, Ijede in Ikorodu, Apa in Badagry, Mile 2 in Amuwo Odofin, Mowo in Ojo, and other waterfront communities. Alebiosu stated the upgrades will improve commuter safety, boost economic activity in riverine areas, and strengthen Lagos' multimodal transport system integrating road, rail and water. He reaffirmed the state government's commitment to sustained investment in waterfront infrastructure to unlock the full potential of Lagos waterways.
Dayo Bush Alebiosu promotes concrete floating pontoons as safer than wooden jetties, yet many existing routes still rely on outdated infrastructure he admits are hazardous. Commuters in Ikorodu, Badagry and Ojo face prolonged exposure to unsafe boarding conditions while upgrades proceed slowly across scattered sites. The state's multimodal vision remains uneven when water transport improvements are piecemeal and concentrated in select areas. Until all designated jetties are upgraded, safety and efficiency on Lagos waterways will remain inconsistent.
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