The Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) has secured the Ministry of Information and Strategy’s commitment to support its flagship “OMI EKO” project.
This initiative aims to transform water transportation in Lagos State, enhancing accessibility and sustainability for commuters.
This collaboration solidified during a working visit by LASWA’s delegation, led by General Manager Mr. Oluwadamilola Emmanuel, to the Ministry on Thursday. Their meeting focused on aligning both agencies’ efforts to ensure the project’s successful implementation and operation.
During the meeting, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Olumide Sogunle, expressed the Ministry’s readiness to partner with LASWA. He emphasized the importance of this collaboration to drive public awareness and support for the “OMI EKO” initiative, which aims to revolutionize water transportation.
Commending LASWA for its vision, Mr. Sogunle highlighted the Ministry’s pivotal role in fostering community engagement and support. He urged LASWA to prioritize passenger safety, ensuring comprehensive insurance coverage for ferries and commuters to build public trust.
Speaking on behalf of LASWA, Mr. Emmanuel explained that the “OMI EKO – Take Me There” project is implemented with the Agency for French Development (AFD). He noted that LASWA’s mandate includes regulating and developing inland waterways transportation to enhance safety and sustainability.
“Safety remains a primary concern for many commuters on our waterways,” Mr. Emmanuel stated. He detailed LASWA’s ongoing initiatives, including a state-of-the-art Command and Control Centre for real-time monitoring and the development of terminals and jetties.
A key feature of the “OMI EKO” project is introducing 78 new electric-powered ferries. These ferries are expected to improve environmental sustainability, boost ridership, and create employment opportunities, aligning with LASWA’s Vision 2024-2027.
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Mr. Emmanuel also solicited the Ministry’s assistance in assigning a liaison officer. This officer would facilitate seamless collaboration and communication between both agencies, ensuring efficient project execution and addressing concerns promptly.
Addressing concerns about insurance coverage, Mr. Emmanuel assured the attendees that LASWA has implemented robust policies for passengers and vessels. Consequently, this commitment aims to bolster public confidence in the safety of water transportation.
Moreover, the meeting brought together senior officials from LASWA and the Ministry of Information and Strategy.
Notably, Mr. Goke Folayan, the Director of Public Enlightenment, and Mrs. Funmi Adesanya, represented by Assistant Director Mr. Fuad Carew, attended as key figures. Their presence, along with others, underscored the importance of the event and highlighted community involvement.
Ultimately, the collaboration between LASWA and the Ministry represents a crucial step toward achieving the “OMI EKO” project’s objectives.
This partnership aims to enhance water transportation in Lagos State significantly.
By working together, both entities can effectively address challenges and improve the overall efficiency of water transport services for residents.
