The Lagos State Government has kicked off a major upgrade of its water transport infrastructure, beginning with the installation of modern, concrete floating pontoons at several jetties across the state. This initiative is a core part of the broader Omi Eko Project, designed to revolutionize commuting on the Lagos waterways.
Enhanced Safety and Comfort for Commuters
According to a statement from the Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Dayo Bush Alebiosu, these new pontoons are already being installed at jetties in Agboyi Ketu in Kosofe LGA, Ijegun Egba in Amuwo Odofin LGA, and Bayeku/Ikorodu in Ikorodu LGA. The primary goal is to enhance passenger safety and remove the fear associated with boarding boats from unstable, shaking platforms.
These innovative pontoons are crafted from rigid concrete blocks that float and are engineered to withstand wave pressure. They provide a stable, flat surface that makes boarding a boat feel almost like stepping on solid ground, offering a new level of comfort and confidence for daily waterway users.
A Multi-Purpose and Statewide Infrastructure Rollout
The commissioner highlighted that the modular design of these structures gives them a dual purpose. They can also function as temporary bridges during seasonal flooding or erosion events, a feature that has proven useful in similar projects elsewhere.
While the Falomo Jetty (Five Cowries Terminal) currently uses a two-sided pontoon, the new installations are more advanced. They are six-sided rigid pontoons, offering 360-degree functionality for easier docking and smoother crowd movement. The state government has confirmed that more locations are slated for the upgrade, including:
- Ebute Ero (Lagos Island)
- Ijede (Ikorodu)
- Apa (Badagry)
- Mile 2 (Amuwo Odofin)
- Mowo (Ojo LGA)
The Broader Vision: The Omi Eko Project
This pontoon upgrade is just one component of the massive €410 million Omi Eko Project. This comprehensive initiative, scheduled to run from 2024 to 2030, aims to create a world-class water transportation system for Lagos. Its key deliverables include:
- Introducing 78 high-capacity electric ferries to cut greenhouse emissions.
- Dredging and channelizing 15 key water routes.
- Expanding 25 terminals across the state.
- Integrating a digital ticketing system using the Cowry Card for seamless transfers between ferries, buses, and the Lagos Metro.
The project is a collaborative effort, jointly funded by the French Development Agency (AFD), the European Investment Bank (EIB), and the European Union. Commissioner Alebiosu reaffirmed the state's commitment, stating that this is more than just infrastructure. "We are building a safe, sustainable and globally competitive water transport system that complements our roads and rail," he said, aligning the project with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu's THEMES+ agenda for an integrated intermodal transport network.
