Reported By Mary Udezue | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
Lagos, Nigeria — The Lagos State Government has unveiled plans to construct a ₦7 billion jetty at the Oworonshoki waterfront, a strategic infrastructure development aimed at enhancing water transportation, unlocking economic opportunities and strengthening connectivity across the state’s extensive waterways.
The disclosure was made by Dayo Bush-Alebiosu, the Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development, who emphasised that the project forms part of the administration’s broader effort to modernise Lagos’s waterfronts and integrate marine transport into the state’s urban mobility framework. The Oworonshoki jetty, once completed, is expected to serve as a critical node in expanding boat and ferry services, reducing traffic congestion on land routes, and fostering economic activities in and around the neighbouring communities.
According to the commissioner, the decision to prioritise the waterfront area of Oworonshoki reflects both its strategic location — where major road corridors intersect with waterways — and its potential to catalyse socio-economic growth for Lagosians. The proposed jetty is intended to complement existing terminals across the state, improve travel times for commuters, and provide safer, more reliable access to marine transport options.
Infrastructure experts note that Lagos’s waterways have long been under-utilised despite the city’s geographic advantage as a coastal megacity with numerous rivers, creeks, and lagoon fronts. Investments in jetties and ferry terminals are seen as integral components of Lagos State’s urban master plan, helping to alleviate chronic road traffic congestion while stimulating trade, tourism, and local enterprise.
The planned investment in Oworonshoki comes at a time when Lagos continues to record rapid urbanisation and population growth, which places mounting pressure on existing transport infrastructure. As part of a multi-modal transport strategy, the waterfront development will be coordinated with riverine transport operators, community stakeholders, and relevant agencies to ensure optimal integration with bus, rail, and road networks.
Commissioner Bush-Alebiosu also highlighted the government’s commitment to engaging local contractors and labour during the construction phase, thereby generating employment and ensuring that benefits accrue to residents of the area. Public consultations, environmental assessments, and engineering designs are reported to be underway, with detailed timelines and implementation frameworks expected to be released as the project advances.
Community leaders and transport advocates have welcomed the announcement, describing the jetty project as a positive step toward leveraging Lagos’s waterways for inclusive economic development. They underscored the need for complementary facilities — such as access roads, security enhancements, and passenger amenities — to maximise the impact of the planned infrastructure.
The Oworonshoki jetty initiative aligns with other recent waterfront projects pursued by the Lagos State Government, which include improvements in existing ports, dredging of key waterways, and the rollout of new ferry services aimed at broadening commuter options. These efforts form part of a concerted push to diversify transport modalities and support Lagos’s growth as a resilient and competitive urban centre.
While specific contractors and funding arrangements have not yet been fully disclosed, the project’s estimated ₦7 billion budget underscores its scale and anticipated impact on the state’s transport ecosystem. The administration has assured residents that transparency and accountability will underpin the procurement and implementation processes, with regular progress updates to be provided as construction advances.
For residents of Oworonshoki and neighbouring communities, the jetty’s construction heralds the promise of improved mobility, increased commercial footfall, and expanded access to opportunities both within Lagos and across its water transport corridors. As planning transitions into execution, stakeholders will be watching closely to see how the project translates vision into tangible infrastructure and public benefit.
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