EcoMove Showcases Transformational Strides in Lagos Transportation Sector

 

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The week-long EcoMove promotional event, highlighting the developmental achievements within the Lagos State transportation sector, commenced on Monday with a comprehensive tour of key transport facilities. The initiative, organised by the Office of the Senior Special Assistant on Transportation to the Lagos State Governor, Honourable Toyin Aremu, aimed to reaffirm the operational functionality of the facilities and to assure the commuting public of the stringent safety standards in place.

The tour included a diverse group comprising select journalists, officials from the Lagos State Ministry of Transportation, market women, youth organisations, representatives of transport unions, and other members of the public. The attendees were conveyed via the Lagos Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system—an integral element of the Lagos Transportation Master Plan—to the iconic Blue Rail terminal at Marina, where they conducted a brief inspection before embarking on a journey to the Mile Two terminus of the Blue Line rail corridor.

In his address, Honourable Aremu expressed immense pride in Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s THEMES+ agenda, noting that transportation ranks foremost among its core areas. He stated that the State has delivered some of the most remarkable transport infrastructure projects in Africa, contributing significantly to its economic ascendancy. “This mode of transportation is typically found in the Western world, yet Lagos is leading the way in delivering such high-quality infrastructure. Notably, this is the first of its kind in the country,” he declared.



“Lagos is indeed setting the benchmark for other Nigerian states to emulate. I urge Lagosians to embrace the train system enthusiastically—leave your private vehicles at home to ease traffic congestion. The Blue and Red rail lines offer safer and more seamless commuting experiences. The Blue Line, in particular, is reliable and runs according to its schedule. The ambience of the stations and coaches is truly comforting,” he added.

Hon. Aremu further appealed to residents to protect these public assets. “This is the standard you find in Europe and other developed parts of the world. We must collaborate with the government to safeguard our transport infrastructure. If you see something, say something—it is our collective responsibility.”

Mr Daniel Fanaike, Assistant Manager of the Marina Station, informed the group that the Blue Line currently comprises five operational stations and maintains a 72-hour service schedule. He explained that passengers utilise the Cowrie Card—a unified payment system also valid for BRT, last-mile buses, and ferry services. Peak-hour fares on the rail are pegged at ₦750, while off-peak rates stand at ₦565.

He also emphasised the safety features of the station, noting that the trains operate on a 750-volt electrified line. A yellow safety line demarcates the boarding area, and passengers are required to remain behind this line to prevent electrocution. “Safety remains our paramount concern,” he stated.

At the Lagos Ferry Services (Lagferry) headquarters, the group was received by Mr Ali Balogun, Managing Director of the Agency. He recounted the Agency’s mandate to facilitate the movement of people and commerce via Lagos’s inland waterways. “Our operations commenced in February 2020 following the commissioning of our boats by Governor Sanwo-Olu at the Badore Terminal. To date, we have transported over 3 million passengers and are approaching the 4 million mark, with a current fleet of 20 boats,” he said.

“Thanks to Mr Governor, we have transitioned from merely reading about these innovations in books or watching them on television—we are now experiencing them first-hand, alongside millions of other Lagosians. Lagos has truly earned its status as a megacity,” Mr Balogun remarked.

Honourable Aremu was subsequently escorted to the Control Room, where he was briefed on the systems used to monitor ferry and waterway operations to ensure passenger safety and enable swift response in case of emergencies.

The delegation was then conveyed aboard two designated Lagferry boats to the Five Cowrie Terminal in Falomo, where Mr Damilola Emmanuel, General Manager of the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA), welcomed them.

Commenting on LASWA’s regulatory framework, Mr Emmanuel stated: “Our vision is to create a clean, safe, and prosperous waterways system. Cleanliness ensures environmental integrity; safety fosters public confidence; and prosperity enables commerce and enterprise. Safety enforcement, including the mandatory use of life jackets, is central to our mission.”


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