The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) and Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) have partnered with Thesaurus Bay to promote safety, water transportation, and tourism on Lagos waterways. This partnership was announced during the fifth edition of the Tour of Lagos Waterways organised by Thesaurus Bay on October 1 to mark Nigeria's Independence Day. The annual event aims to change public perception of Lagos waterways by giving residents an opportunity to experience the city from the water while promoting marine tourism, water transportation, waterfront development, and investment.
According to NIWA Area Manager, Lagos Area Office, Sarat Braimah, safety remains central to the development of water transportation. She stated that sustained sensitisation had contributed to a reduction in boat mishaps in Lagos. Braimah also highlighted that Lagos is blessed with navigable waterways that could support tourism and other economic activities, referring to the concept of a blue economy. She emphasized that the investment potential of the waterways remained largely untapped, estimating that the sector was currently operating at between 40 and 50 per cent of its potential.
The Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Blue Economy, Damilola Emmanuel, revealed that the state is strengthening regulation while creating an enabling environment for private operators to invest in water transportation and tourism. He mentioned that boats operating on the waterways are required to be certified and that the state and federal authorities work together to ensure compliance with safety standards. Emmanuel also stated that Lagos has introduced biannual inspection of boats and is using real-time monitoring and communication systems to track vessels and enable operators to communicate with the LASWA control room.
The chairman of Thesaurus Group and organiser of the event, Bolaji Olasode, said the initiative was conceived to showcase the potential of Lagos waterways and encourage greater investment in marine tourism. He mentioned that the group currently operates four jetties at Sangotedo, Ikorodu, Mile 12, and Ketu, providing access to inland water transportation and helping passengers reach destinations in shorter time. Olasode also stated that the initiative has helped expand tourism in Lagos by encouraging residents to spend public holidays exploring attractions within the state instead of travelling outside the country.
Olasode identified unregulated dredging, inadequate public awareness of maritime safety, and limited public-private partnership as major challenges to the development of the sector. He mentioned that the next phase of the initiative would focus on developing tourist destinations along Lagos creeks, rather than concentrating only on the coastal areas. This vision includes conservation areas, aquariums, food production, and other activities that could create jobs and distribute economic opportunities to communities along the waterways.
Olasode expressed openness to collaboration, partnership, and joint product development, and stated that the company would use its platform to support youth capacity development and corporate social responsibility in waterfront communities. He also mentioned that Lagos needs a comprehensive blue economy master plan that would strategically position the state for marine tourism. Olasode believes that Lagos has a hidden threshold that is yet to be annexed and wants to create a master plan on blue economy.
The event, which attracted government officials, private sector operators, and members of the public, featured a tour of Lagos waterways and waterfront developments, with discussions on water safety, transportation, tourism, and investment. The partnership between NIWA, LASWA, and Thesaurus Bay aims to promote safety, water transportation, and tourism on Lagos waterways, and the event provided a platform for stakeholders to engage and explore opportunities in the sector.
Key points
- NIWA and LASWA partner with Thesaurus Bay to promote safety and water tourism in Lagos.
- The partnership aims to develop tourist destinations along Lagos creeks and promote blue economy.
- The sector is currently operating at between 40 and 50 per cent of its potential.
