Water Transportation: Lagos Introduces e-Fleet Surveillance System
Funmi Ogundare
The Lagos State Government, yesterday, stated its readiness to adopt a technology-driven water transportation with the berthing of the Lagos Ferry Services (LAGFERRY) Electronic Fleet (E-Fleet) surveillance system, a functional real-time technology that tracks ferries and provides vital information, such as location, speed, condition and surrounding environment of the boats.
Speaking with journalists, the Managing Director, LAGFERRY, Hon. Abdoulbaq Ladi Balogun, explained that the surveillance system will ensure the effective monitoring and management of the operations of its fleet, as well as passengers safety and confidence through installed tracking cameras.
“This will lead to improved ridership and help in the management of fuel to achieve maximum value. This system also drives home the innovative dexterity of Governor Sanwo-Olu’s administration and justifies the steady investments by the government to make life abundantly meaningful for the residents of and visitors to Lagos State.
“This is one of the hallmarks of the resilience of the smart, megacity which Lagos typifies,” he stated.
He described it as a milestone in the state government’s drive towards a sustainable and efficient water transportation system that is in line with its goal to reduce traffic congestion on the roads and promote a multi-modal transportation system.
“As water transportation is gradually becoming a culture among Lagosians, the adoption of technology-driven water transportation is a significant step in our efforts to modernise our transportation system.
“This is expected to provide a more convenient and safer mode of transportation for residents and visitors to the city, reduce road traffic congestion, harvest reliable data, contribute to the overall economic growth of the state and ensure sustainable water transportation system as the next frontier for Lagos economy,” Balogun stressed.
The managing director said the e-fleet system will enhance safety control, ensure speedy response to emergencies and reinforce the passengers’ confidence in water transportation, adding that the adoption of this technology will undoubtedly strengthen its agency capacity to deliver on its mandate.
He disclosed that its control centre and operation base in Mile 2 terminal is being constantly monitored by trained and competent professionals, which further demonstrate the commitment of the administration to establish the industry’s standard in providing a conducive environment for private sector investments.
