The Lagos State Government says it has completed over 50 kilometres of channelisation works across major ferry routes as part of efforts to strengthen water transportation and improve safety on the state’s waterways.
The Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Dayo Bush-Alebiosu, disclosed this during the 2026 Lagos State Ministerial Press Briefing held in commemoration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s third year in his second term.
He said the projects are part of the THEMES Plus Agenda aimed at integrating road, rail and water transport systems to improve mobility, safety and connectivity across Lagos.
According to him, the channelisation works are designed to improve navigation, open new ferry routes, reduce boat accidents and address challenges such as submerged wrecks, erosion and flooding in waterfront communities.
“These interventions will significantly reduce incidents of head-on collisions and accidents caused by submerged wrecks and other navigational hazards,” he said.
Bush-Alebiosu listed key corridors covered under the project to include the 14.8km Ikorodu–Mende channel in Kosofe Local Government Area, the 14.8km Ikorodu–Agboyi route, as well as the Five Cowries–Lekki–Lagoon–Parkview and Banana Island channels.
He also mentioned the Ilado–Ilashe–Odofin channel in the Amuwo Odofin axis as part of the ongoing works, adding that navigation buoys have been installed to guide safer ferry and boat movement.
The commissioner further disclosed that the state has begun installing concrete floating pontoons at selected jetties to replace traditional wooden structures, describing it as a step toward modernising waterfront infrastructure.
He warned that indiscriminate sand dredging could worsen environmental degradation, increase construction costs and place additional pressure on housing and infrastructure delivery in Lagos.
Bush-Alebiosu also linked unregulated dredging activities to threats against aquatic ecosystems and fishing livelihoods, noting that food security could be affected as fishermen struggle with reduced catches.
He cited Ibese in Ikorodu as one of the communities already experiencing infrastructure damage due to heavy dredging operations and intensified commercial activity.
Reaffirming government commitment, he said Lagos remains focused on sustainable dredging practices, environmental protection and continuous investment in water transport infrastructure to support long-term development.
