By GODWIN ORITSE
THERE is a boom in the boat market as Chief Executives of both Government and private organisations now prefer going to work by boats and other water crafts in and around Lagos Island so as to beat the crazy Lagos traffic.

Confirming this development, a boat maker and Chief Executive of Topher Zhang Mr Chris Ajayi, said that there is certainly a boom in the boat market following the increase in the purchase of boats by chief executives of companies and parastatals who now use boats to beat the chaotic traffic situation in Lagos.

“The reality is that more Nigerians are now using boats and other water crafts to move around Lagos in a bid to avoid traffic. We at Topher Zhang are strategising to be part of the expected growth in the waterways transport of the economy as more clients are also placing orders for boats” Ajayi stated.

He disclosed that the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) is also preparing to give support to the growth of water transport in Lagos

He however noted that there is still a low level of local competence in the art of boat making in Nigeria, adding that his firm has commenced the training of its personnel in the act of boat making abroad.

The boat maker further disclosed that the new trend in water transport has also put the regulatory authorities on their toes as they are also looking at ways of regulating the sector for security and safety.

Some boat owners who spoke to Vanguard said that they will now rather invest in the purchase of boats than cars considering the ever increasing traffic situation in Lagos.

According to Captain Baiyee Suleiman , consultant to the African Circle Marine waste management Company Limited he comes to work in Apapa and goes back to his home in Victoria Island every day with a boat he bought about a year ago. Mr Seni Edu, General Manager Eko Support Services who also said he uses the water ways to move back and fort for ease of transport told Vanguard it is the quickest mode of transport now in Lagos .

The Managing Director of A P Moller Terminals Mr Dallas Hampton is equally one of the top chief executives that has found succor in the water ways to beat the Lagos traffic.

The Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) Mr Patrick Akpobolokemi also prefers the waterways for his movement around Apapa. It will be recalled that the Lagos State Waterways Authority in its last rider ship survey disclosed that over 170,000 commuters use the water ways every day.

LASAW ‘s Managing Director, Mr Yinka Marihno said that the authority envisages an increase in the number of commuters that will be using the water ways in the future.

He added that growing the water ways transport is part of government plan to make Lagos the dream city for every one.

http://www.vanguardngr.com/2011/05/boat-market-booms-as-ceos-embrace-water-transport/

This is actually very interesting.

What would be amazing is if you could drive your car/truck/bus onto some sort of ferry very cheaply, effectively turning the sea into another road.

Hmm

Looks like they already do car transport a bit:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6NLbwrzrpJY

Wish I knew what the economics of this looks like

While in lag last month, i saw some very sleek flying boats being cruised by both naijans and expats around the apapa wharf area. My friend told me some of those machines could range anywhere from 10 to a 100 million naira. But there're alternatives to those costly boats, you could get a wooden contraption with a yamaha engine stuck behind it
for around 200k

edoyad:

But there're alternatives to those costly boats, you could get a wooden contraption with a yamaha engine stuck behind it
for around 200k

But will I be able to take jumps and catch Big Air off waves, in that wooden boat ?   Also, will I be able to tow water skiers ?

Finally, can I expect beautiful bikini-clad women to jiggle over and try to seduce me, when I cruise in to moor that motorized canoe alongside those luxury yachts ?

^ that's why you need to get that money man, hustle .

Yeah, domestic water transport is becoming popular in Lagos.
My madam used it from Ajah-Ikorodu the other day(commercial), making Ajah-Ikorodu journey in 10 minutes, when it's 3 hours by road. My brother(CEO of a firm) also uses it within Lagos(commercial).

But since I read in papers that a former LG Chairman drowned in boat accident in Epe few weeks ago, I've not been too enthusiastic in joining the commercial boat riders

^ The guy didn't use a life jacket?

@Jarus: If you don't know how to swim yet, please get lessons and learn It is very easy to learn, and could come in very handy one day.

This is definitely good news and hope foreigners will not come and corner this opportunity.

ekt_bear:

@Jarus: If you don't know how to swim yet, please get lessons and learn It is very easy to learn, and could come in very handy one day.

Thanks jare aburo. In the next few years water transport may have become commonplace in Lagos, and one needs to equip oneself.