A call has been made to Ikorodu Division Stakeholders to tap into and maximize the abundant potentials inherent in its abundant waterways.
Making this call was Dr. Samuel Adejare, Lagos State Commissioner for Waterfront while delivering his keynote speech at 12th Business Luncheon of the Ikorodu Chamber of Commerce and Industry held at the Ikorodu Town Hall on Friday 14th December, 2018.
Dr. Samuel said that the waterways are not only navigable but crucial for inland water transportation of which can be used as a strategy to reduce and ease-off pressure on the road networks and curb the colossal drain it causes on the economy.
Hon. Samuel further pointed that the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) has estimated over seven million passengers hustle and bustle between Lagos Mainland and Lagos Island per day with 90% of the commuters traveling by road.
“The Lagos State Government has restated its commitment to sanitize the water transportation sector so as to ensure improved efficient and safe mode of environment of passengers and goods on her waterways and to ensure strict compliance to water transportation regulations that will forestall wanton loss of lives and other mishaps along the waterways” he said.
Ikorodu which is the second most populated Local Government Area in Lagos State with the population of over two million people is also known for the daily chaotic traffic congestion on the road.
In his closing remarks, he reiterated that Ikorodu Division is one of the State’s gateway’s for commer and trade and Ikorodu has the advantage of investing in her natural endowment and as such, should be in the forefront of harnessing maximum potential from her abundant waterways.
Engr. H.O.B Lawal, President of Ikorodu Chamber of Commerce and Industry appropriated Dr. Samuel Adejare and buttressed the guest speakers points saying “Ikorodu Division is becoming the Industrial Center for Lagos State coupled with the sudden increase in commercial activities and the abundant influx of people from other parts of the country, the available roads have become insufficient to cope with and the transportation needs of the people of Ikorodu Division, thus reviving and rekindling our interest in water transportation”.
