The Lagos Ferry Services, Lagferry, has spearheaded the promotion and tapping of the very rich and vast potentials associated with the Lagos Waters which is aggregated to occupy one third of the total landscape of the State.

Mr. Abdul Ladi-Balogun, the Managing Directorof the Agency has strategically positioned it in line with its natural mandate as the king of the State waters to serve as the major driver in the development of the highly coveted emerging blue economy drive as mandated by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

In its quest to therefore shore up public awareness to the emerging transformation on the Lagos waterways, the Agency organised a regatta, tagged; Fuji Fision .L’ori Omi’ to showcase its rich Transportation, Tourism and Economic potentials

At the Fuji Fision .L’ori Omi’ event, organised in partnership with the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Art and Culture, Mr. Abdul Ladi-Balogun, said: “Lagos Waters has a lot of potentials and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has mandated us to fully explore these potentials, though we are currently deploying its Transportation values, we are poised to fully explore its Tourism potentials and other vast economic potentials inherent in it.”

He added that the Agency is operating passionately to draw patronages, investors, tourists, fun seekers, event planners and others from the business and Corporate World to tap into the rich potentials of the Lagos waters, while striving to use their ingenuity to model how to enrich the Nation through the waters.

It has being widely touted that the Coastal Tourism potential of Lagos State is currently underdeveloped when compared to similar coastal cities across the World and calls made for the government to look in the direction of this money spinner, because tourism is arguably the largest industry in the world today, and one which continues to grow at an enviable rate.

Tourism is estimated to represent over 4 trillion dollars, or 10 percent of the World’s GDP. The industry supplies over 230 million jobs and over $800 billion in tax revenues internationally (UN/WTO Statistics). It is a major generator of foreign exchange revenues and facilitates regional and international trade and investment linkages

Water tourism is increasingly considered a stimulant not just for foreign exchange, economic growth and employment, but also an opportunity for host community participation in biodiversity conservation, urban growth, infrastructure overhaul, planning, rural development, environmental restoration, coastal protection and cultural heritage preservation.

As a littoral State, the Lagos coastline spans a coastline of about 450 km and has the largest mangrove swamps in Africa which is estimated at 1,900 square km. If it is developed up to about half and utilized for tourism and hospitality purposes, it will be providing sustained revenue from taxes paid by hospitality companies, entertainment outfits, water transportation, marine companies, tour companies, travel agencies among others that operate on the coastline.

The Lagos coastline is hugely untapped despite being a goldmine that the State could use to boost revenue generation from the non-oil sector.

Its coastline with its mild features that enable beach outings could contribute over N7 billion annually to Lagos State through taxes from hotels, restaurants, resorts and related businesses along the coastline.

The state and the country at large can earn more if the government encourages more tourism investments across the coastline with a friendly business environment.

Mr. Balogun speaking further at the Lori Omi event, said:”the event is put together to therefore market and highlight these other areas, inviting individuals and corporate entities to invest in our Water Tourism and blue economy.”

While Mrs. Toke Awoyinka, who is the Commissioner for Tourism, Art and Culture, Lagos State, added that the State consist of one-third Water and though many love its Waters, but are concerned about their safety, saying, “the best way to show that our waters are safe is when they see us on the waters doing this kind of carnival.

‘It will assure them that it’s safe to explore it for themselves, it is worth noting that most of our resorts are also located between the Lagoon and the Atlantic Ocean, and by this kind of show, we are showing their confidence to utilize our waterways in various ways.” Toke said.

She emphasised further that the event goes to show the extent of economic activities that can go on the waterways, “people can hold different types of Parties on the waters, Conventions, AGM’s, sightseeing, while the boats moves them around, while other vendors, such as caterers, drink suppliers, musicians ushers and many others provide services.” Toke said.

Mr Oluwadamilola Emmanuel, the General Manager of Lagos Waterways Authority, LASWA, says his Agency is responsible for providing safety on the waters, ensuring that regulations that will enhance safety on the waters are complied to, enhancing safety for every purpose carried out on the waters, either for transportation, commercial, Tourism and particularly for this type of carnival on the water.

The very rich carnival programme has an array of top class Fuji Artists, Actors and officials of various Agencies of the Lagos State Ministry of Transportation in attendance.

Mr Ladi-Balogun,in an exclusive chat with Akonitv, provided objective answers on 3 key areas of focus of LagFerry to indeed develop the Lagos State Blue Economy initiative in line with the mandate of Governor Sanwo-Olu, while also using the medium to invite the general into embracing the services of the Agency and harnessing the full potentials of the Lagos waterways for tourism purposes. Excerpts;

How easy is it for people to locate your Jetties, how accessible are they, are they motor-able and cost effective to get there?

Our jetties are strategically located for easy access and are connected by well-maintained roads, making them easily accessible by both private and public transportation. Most of our jetties are motor-able, and the cost of getting there is quite affordable.

How readily available are boats at the Jetties, what’s the frequency of departures and arrivals at the Jetties?

Boats are readily available at our jetties, with scheduled departures and arrivals throughout the day. The frequency of boat services varies depending on the specific route and time of day, but we strive to provide convenient options for passengers.

How effective is your public awareness on Lagferry transportation services, because it appears most Lagosians are bereft of your operations?

We are continuously working to improve public awareness of Lagferry transportation services through various marketing and communication channels. We understand the importance of reaching out to Lagosians and ensuring they are informed about our operations. Currently, we are running a weekly live radio Programme WOTA WAKA and L’ORI OMI on Traffic Radio 96.1 FM and Radio Lagos 107.5 FM respectively.

Hope the costs of water transportation are comparatively friendly?

We aim to keep the costs of water transportation competitive and friendly compared to other modes of transportation. We regularly review our pricing structure to ensure affordability for our passengers while maintaining the quality of our services.

Is Lagferry having or operating additional boats that could host individuals or organisations wanting to organise events, parties or carnival like programmes?

Lagferry does have additional boats available for individuals or organizations looking to organize events, parties, or carnival-like programs. Our charter services offer the opportunity to host various events on our boats while enjoying the beautiful waterways of Lagos.

Aside from hosting events on sailing boats, in which other ways is the Lagferry promoting or going to promote tourism in the State?

Aside from hosting events on sailing boats, Lagferry is actively promoting tourism in the state through several initiatives. We offer sightseeing tours, water taxis to popular destinations, and collaborate with local tour operators to showcase the beauty and attractions of Lagos through water transportation.

Marketing strategies are anticipated to promote patronage from the public, how’re you handling this aspect?

Lagferry has developed comprehensive marketing strategies to promote patronage from the public. We utilize a mix of digital marketing, social media campaigns, traditional advertising, partnerships with local businesses, and participation in tourism fairs and events to raise awareness about our services and attract more passengers.

What’s the level of partnership between you and the Lagos State Tourism Ministry on this?

Lagferry maintains a strong partnership with the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism to support the growth and development of tourism in the state. We work closely with the ministry to collaborate on promotional activities, tourism campaigns, and initiatives that enhance the overall visitor experience. Our partnership ensures alignment with the Lagos State’s T.H.E.M.E.S PLUS Agenda and Tourism objectives, and this helps us contribute to the flourishing tourism industry in Lagos.

What’s the role of Lagferry in enhancing Lagos’ blue economy?

Lagferry plays a significant and pivotal role in enhancing Lagos’ blue economy by providing efficient water transportation services that facilitate trade, commerce, tourism, and overall economic growth. By operating a reliable ferry service and promoting water-based activities, Lagferry contributes to the sustainable development and utilization of Lagos’ maritime resources.

How vast is the State’s blue economy and to what extent is the contribution it’s going to make to the economy?

The State’s blue economy encompasses a wide range of sectors, including transportation, fisheries, aquaculture, tourism, and maritime trade. Lagos has a vast coastline and abundant marine resources that hold immense economic potential.

The contribution of the blue economy to Lagos’ overall economy is expected to be substantial, as it creates employment opportunities, supports local industries, and fosters innovation and sustainable development. Lagferry, through its operations and initiatives, plays a crucial role in harnessing the potential of the blue economy and maximizing its benefits for the state.