Lagos State Ferry Service has disclosed that it recorded over 60,000 ridership within the first 100 days of operation after the state’s Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu launched the commercial operations of the state-owned ferry service.
With Lagos ferry ridership hitting over 60,000 ridership within the period under review, the Governor may consider injecting more boats to the service fleets of 12 boats currently in operation in furtherance of its commitment to developing the water transportation sector.
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Lagos State Ferry Service, Ladi Balogun, who could not hide his excitement over the milestone explained that the transport company successfully transported no fewer than 60,054 passengers within the period under review.
Giving the breakdown while speaking with our correspondent in a phone interview on Wednesday, Balogun said the feat was achieved on Tuesday (yesterday) after the 77th day of operation, 1822 hours of operation, 2617 cumulative number of trips, and 73623km distance covered.
He added that at exactly 5:36 pm on Tuesday, June 30, Lagferry commuted her 60,000th passenger, a female identified as Caroline Ateboh on the route – CMS/MARINA to IKORODU aboard MV BABATUNDE FASHOLA.
According to him, the transport company would not have achieved the feat without the passionate support of Governor Sanwo-Olu and his result-oriented team’s commitment to deepening water transportation system as a reliable and safe mode of transportation for Lagosians.
“Basically, after the operation of yesterday, Lagferry was able to record 60054 passengers when we started operation after our commission by the Governor of February 1st, 2020 and we commenced operations on 6th of that same month, and since that same day to 30th of June is actually 77days of operation for us because the month of April 2020, the lockdown occasioned by the outbreak of COVID-19 disrupt the operation. So from the 6th February till June 30th, excluding April, we’ve been able to record 60,054 passengers across the six routes we are plying using 12 boats,” he said.
Balogun noted that the commitment, efforts, and teamwork of all to all seamen, supporting staffers and that of customers made the feat achievable, noting that the foresight of the Sanwo-Olu’s administration was beginning to pay off.
“It is on record that since we started operation till date, we have not recorded a single accident and all thanks to Almighty God for making that possible for us and that is also due to the passionate support we received from Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the commitment he has given to water transportation sector and that is what is actually giving us the motivation and encouragement to do what we have been doing and that translates to the gains recorded so far.
“When we’re recruiting, we’re very meticulous and articulate to ensure we ensure we get experienced captains and sailors on board and after certification and re-certification by the regulating bodies, we ensure the right pegs are in the right holes coupled with professional engineers who are handling the maintenance, engineering department but majorly all thanks to the boost and encouragement from the passionate commitment of the Governor to develop the water transportation sector as another mode of transportation apart from the road,” he added.
Balogun, however, expressed optimism that after Lagferry performance assessment by the Governor, there may be an increase in numbers of boats for the service operations.
