The Association of Tourist Boat Operators and Water Transporters of Nigeria (ATBOWATON), Lagos State Chapter, has appealed to the incoming Lagos State Government to expand water transportation infrastructure by providing more jetties and fuel stations, alongside financial assistance and subsidies for boat operators facing operational challenges.
The association also called for flexible repayment arrangements and support for operators whose businesses have been affected by faulty engines, damaged boats and other difficulties.
The demands were made during a political awareness programme organised by ATBOWATON in collaboration with its national leadership. The event brought together boat operators, government representatives and other stakeholders to discuss the future of water transportation in Lagos State.
Follow PenTalk News
Get breaking news, important updates and the latest stories directly on your phone.
Participants highlighted the need for improved infrastructure, stronger government support and policies that would enable operators to benefit from the state’s growing blue economy.
Lagos Government Highlights Omi Eko Project
In his keynote address, the Lagos State Governor’s Special Adviser on Blue Economy, Oluwadamilola Emmanuel, represented by Mr Oladayo Ibrahim, reaffirmed the state’s commitment to developing water transportation and strengthening its position as a leading maritime hub.
He identified the Omi Eko Project as one of the initiatives aimed at transforming water transportation through modern ferry infrastructure, electric vessels, improved terminals, waterway dredging and digital transportation systems.
Emmanuel stressed the importance of ensuring that existing boat operators were not left behind as the sector undergoes modernisation.
He encouraged members of the association to embrace professionalism, prioritise passenger safety, comply with regulatory standards and remain open to new technologies and improved operating practices.
He also urged boat operators to stay informed about political developments and participate in democratic processes, noting that government policies directly affect their businesses and livelihoods.
“As Special Adviser on Blue Economy, I reaffirm our commitment to strengthening stakeholder engagement and working with relevant institutions to create an enabling environment for the growth of the sector,” he said.
ATBOWATON Chairman Emphasises Passenger Safety
The Founding National Chairman of ATBOWATON, Dr Tarzan Balogun, called for greater attention to passenger safety, warning that accidents on the waterways could discourage patronage and weaken public confidence in water transportation.
Balogun maintained that safety must remain the industry’s top priority, urging operators to ensure passengers feel comfortable and secure throughout their journeys.
He also commended the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) and the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) for their interventions, particularly the monitoring of waterways and provision of safety equipment, including life jackets.
He called for sustained cooperation among the federal, state and local governments to address the challenges facing the sector.
Oriade LCDA Chairman Commends Infrastructure Development
Also speaking at the event, the Chairman of Oriade Local Council Development Area, Rasaq Olotede, praised successive Lagos State administrations for investing in water transportation infrastructure, particularly the development of jetties and terminals across the Badagry Division.
He cited terminals at Ilashe, Ibeshe and Kirikiri Town as examples of facilities established to support water transportation in the area.
Olotede also commended boat operators for complying with safety regulations, especially the use of life jackets. He acknowledged the roles of LASWA and the Marine Police in monitoring activities on the waterways.
Operators Seek More Government Support
The Deputy Chairman of ATBOWATON, Lagos State Chapter, Babatunde Segun, acknowledged the contributions of the outgoing Lagos State Government to water transportation, expressing hope that the incoming administration would build on existing achievements and extend infrastructure to underserved communities.
He recalled that boat operators previously faced difficulties accessing suitable jetties, with some forced to travel long distances to reach operating locations.
According to him, the government responded to their concerns by providing additional jetties and supporting the establishment of more fuel stations around waterways, making it easier for operators to obtain fuel.
Segun also commended the state and federal governments for working together to remove dangerous debris from waterways, noting that the intervention had helped reduce boat accidents and damage to boats and engines.
“On behalf of ATBOWATON, we sincerely thank the outgoing Lagos State Government for listening to us and taking steps to address these challenges. We appreciate these achievements and the positive difference they have made to our members and the water transportation sector,” he said.
However, he noted that more interventions were needed, particularly in remote communities where access to jetties and fuel stations remained limited.
Segun identified financial assistance as another major concern, explaining that some operators had lost their boats or were struggling with faulty engines, leaving them unable to operate effectively.
He appealed to the government to introduce subsidies for boat engines and flexible repayment plans to help affected operators rebuild their businesses and restore their operations.
The deputy chairman further called for sustained government attention to waterway safety, security, youth employment and tourism development.
He said investment in these areas would create employment opportunities, improve passenger safety and reduce pressure on Lagos roads by encouraging greater use of water transportation.
ATBOWATON Declares Support for Tinubu, Hamzat
The association also expressed support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid and Dr Kadri Obafemi Hamzat’s governorship ambition in Lagos State.
Segun said boat operators expected the next administration to consolidate the gains recorded in the water transportation sector while addressing outstanding challenges affecting their businesses.
He maintained that additional infrastructure, financial support and improved safety measures would help strengthen water transportation, support operators’ livelihoods and contribute to the development of Lagos State’s blue economy.
