EkoMove Lagos: Revolutionizing Transportation Infrastructure in Nigeria

EkoMove Lagos: Revolutionizing Transportation Infrastructure in Nigeria

In a remarkable showcase of Lagos State’s evolving transportation infrastructure, the EcoMove Lagos initiative, conceived by Hon. Toyin Aremu, the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the Governor on Transportation, continued its week-long activities with a dynamic tour highlighting the city's multi-modal transport systems.

The day’s journey commenced at the Oshodi Transport Interchange, an architectural marvel symbolizing the rebirth of Lagos’ public transport system. From Oshodi, participants boarded the BRT buses en route to Marina, where the newly commissioned Blue Line Rail awaited.

At the Marina Train Station, the tour group experienced first-hand the state-of-the-art facilities and services of the Blue Line, riding comfortably to Mile 2. Addressing the media at LAGFERRY Yard, Mile 2, Hon. Toyin Aremu alongside Hon. Abdoulbaq-Ladi Balogun, Managing Director of Lagos Ferry Services (LAGFERRY), emphasized the importance of embracing multi-modal transportation to ease traffic congestion and promote sustainability.

"Today, Lagos State is setting a pace for others to follow. Our goal is to encourage residents to park their cars at home and utilize our world-class transportation systems — the Blue Line, Red Line, BRT buses, and ferries — for a smoother, safer, and more efficient commuting experience," Hon. Aremu said.

The tour continued seamlessly onto the inland waterways as participants boarded ferries from Mile 2 to the Five Cowries Terminal in Falomo. Here, Mr. Oluwadamilola Emmanuel, General Manager of Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA), addressed the press, highlighting Lagos’ commitment to clean, safe, and prosperous waterways.

"We are proud that Lagos leads Nigeria in safe water transportation. Through strategic initiatives — including the deployment of technology, the establishment of an inland waterways control room, increased patrols, and mandatory biannual inspections — we have created an ecosystem where water travel is secure and reliable," Mr. Emmanuel noted.

He added that Lagos now boasts a 95% compliance rate in life jacket usage, demonstrating the state’s unrelenting dedication to passenger safety.

A train passenger, sharing her personal experience, praised the comfort, cleanliness, and efficiency of the Blue Line, describing it as "a sweet and memorable experience" for her and her children.

"It's been a smooth and safe ride. My kids were so excited to board the train today. The trains are clean, fast, and convenient — a true game-changer for Lagos," she said.

Further enhancing passenger confidence, the Managing Director of LAGFERRY, Hon. Balogun, elaborated on the technological strides taken to safeguard waterway transportation.

"Through our real-time boat tracking system, emergency management, and integrated surveillance, we ensure that both passengers and vessels are monitored closely. Our fleet, which has grown to 20 boats since 2020, has already moved close to 4 million passengers despite challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic and the EndSARS protests," Balogun stated.

Hon. Toyin Aremu underscored that Lagos has now fully operationalized the three key modes of transportation — road (BRT and LASTMA), rail (Blue and Red Lines), and waterways (LAGFERRY and private operators) — making Lagos a true mega city model in Africa.

"We have only utilized 22% of Lagos' waterways potential. Now is the time for Lagosians to embrace this safe, efficient, and scenic mode of transportation. Our surveillance operates 24/7, ensuring safety and reliability. It's time to shed old fears and adopt these modern systems," Hon. Aremu urged.

She added that with the upcoming launch of the Green Line, linking Marina to Lekki, Lagos is not just keeping pace but leading in modern urban transportation development across Africa.

Conclusion: A New Era for Lagos Transportation

With EcoMove Lagos, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration has effectively demonstrated that modern, safe, and efficient transportation is not only achievable but sustainable in Nigeria. From sleek train rides to scenic ferry journeys, Lagosians are witnessing — and participating in — a transportation revolution that mirrors the best practices seen in Europe and America.

As Lagos continues to invest in integrated transportation, the message is clear: the future of mobility is here, and Lagos is leading the way.

EkoMove Lagos: Moving Lagos Forward, Safely and Smartly.