LAGFERRY Hosts 2025 Strategic Management Retreat to Advance Sustainable Transportation in Lagos State
The Managing Director of Lagos State Ferry Services, Hon. Abdoulbaq Ladi Balogun, emphasized the significance of advancing sustainable transportation options for Lagos State residents and citizens. Speaking at the 2025 Strategic Management Retreat, Balogun noted that the focus of the retreat is on developing a multimodal transportation system that integrates water, rail, and road transportation…
.According to Balogun, the retreat aims to explore ways to connect and merge the different modes of transportation to boost commerce, tourism, and economic development in the state.
He highlighted the importance of a functional transportation system in achieving the goals of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s THEMES+ agenda, particularly the first pillar, which focuses on traffic management and transportation.
Balogun noted that Lagos Ferry plays a critical role in ensuring that the waterways and waterbodies in Lagos State are utilized to their full potential. He pointed out that one-third of Lagos’ landmass is covered by water, making water transportation a vital component of the state’s transportation system. The MD expressed delight that private sector investment is being driven into water transportation, following the governor’s demonstration of its potential and capacity.
The retreat will focus on building a sustainable water transportation system, and Balogun is optimistic that the outcome will contribute significantly to achieving the Teams Plus agenda. He also highlighted the progress being made in integrating the three modes of transportation, citing the example of the Mile 2 Interchange and the CMS Marina Interchange, where the water, rail, and road transportation systems are being connected.
The Chairmen of Amuwo Odofin Local Government and Oriade LCDA, Prince Lanre Sanusi and Honorable Razak, respectively, are participating in the retreat. Balogun noted that the two local governments are associated with seven functional jetties and terminals operated by Lagos Ferry, and their input will be crucial in advancing sustainable transportation options for Lagos State.
Mrs. Sunkanmi Oyegbola, The Permanent Secretary of the Public Service Office commended LAGFERRY’s efforts in promoting water transportation in Lagos State, noting that it will help reduce traffic congestion on the roads and save man-hour. According to the Permanent Secretary, the agency’s collaboration with other government agencies, particularly those in the transportation sector, is crucial in ensuring that Lagosians get to their destinations safely and efficiently.
The Permanent Secretary highlighted the importance of interagency collaboration, citing the need for LAGFERRY to work with agencies such as the Ministry of Waterfront and Infrastructure, which builds jetties, and the Ministry of Works, which ensures access to the jetties. The Permanent Secretary also emphasized the role of the Project Management Office (PMO) in monitoring the activities of LAGFERRY and other agencies.
The Permanent Secretary encouraged LAGFERRY to continue engaging with other agencies and to educate itself on best practices, stressing that no agency can work in isolation. By working together, the agencies can deliver efficient services to Lagosians and achieve the state’s transportation goals.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Parastatatal Monitoring Office, Hon. Ibrahim Obanikoro, applauded LAGFERRY for its achievements, noting that they demonstrate the agency’s dedication and innovation. According to Obanikoro, the agency’s ability to meet standards and progress in its operations is a testament to its commitment to excellence.
Obanikoro acknowledged that challenges are inevitable in any aspect of life, but praised LAGFERRY for its efforts in addressing these challenges and achieving its goals.
Dr. Mustapha Balogun, the Keynote Speaker from the Department of Marketing, LASU advised LAGFERRY to enhance its service delivery and adopt market segmentation strategies to boost patronage and profitability. According to Dr. Balogun, understanding the different segments of the market, including students, workers, and tourists, is crucial in delivering quality services that meet their unique needs.
Dr. Balogun emphasized the need for LAGFERRY to price its services differently for various categories of customers and to focus on delivering an experience that will encourage repeat patronage. He also noted that the organization needs to critically analyze its past performance and identify areas for improvement to increase patronage and profitability.
The expert highlighted the challenge of safety concerns among potential customers, particularly in a region where many people are afraid of swimming. Dr. Balogun advised LAGFERRY to project a safe image and to emphasize the safety features of its ferry services to alleviate these concerns.
The Executive Chairman of Amuwo Odofin Local Government, Prince Lanre Sanusi, said LAGFERRY has provided a viable alternative transportation route for Lagosians. Sanusi commended the agency’s leadership, particularly the Managing Director Hon. Ladi Balogun, for turning the agency around and achieving significant progress.
Sanusi expressed his appreciation to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for appointing Balogun and noted that the theme of the event align perfectly well. He expressed confidence that the agency’s achievements will be sustained and pledged the local government’s support and willingness to partner with LAGFERRY to build on its development.
The Executive Chairman of Oriade LCDA, Hon. Abdurazak Olojede, praised LAGFERRY’s performance under the leadership of Hon. Ladi Balogun, noting that the agency has made significant strides in providing water transportation services to communities in the area.
As the LCDA covers both upland and riverine areas, Olojede highlighted the importance of LAGFERRY’s services in connecting riverine communities to other parts of the state. He expressed the LCDA’s willingness to partner with LAGFERRY to sustain water transportation in Lagos State and pledged to collaborate on awareness campaigns, particularly on safety issues such as the use of life jackets.
Olojede emphasized the importance of awareness in ensuring the safety of commuters and noted that the LCDA will work with LAGFERRY to educate the grassroots population on the benefits and safe use of the ferry services.
