Stakeholders in Ikorodu’s industrial sector and commercial sector, especially the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are set to be identified with the Lagos State Government in its developmental effort to involve in opportunities of ferry services in Ikorodu division to reduce the huge traffic congestion in the metropolis.
Organised by the Ikorodu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI), the evnt is the 12th Business Luncheon with the theme “involvement of ICCI in the development of ferry services in Ikorodu division”
“Water transportation is rapidly becoming an alternative to road transportation as the chaotic traffic congestion on Lagos roads has forced many commuters to explore ferry and speed boats,” said Samuel Adejere, commissioner for water infrastructure development, represented by Balogun Rasheed.
Adejere said Ikorodu, the second most populous local government area in the state, with a population of over 2million people, is a littoral city and the fastest growing exurb near the Lagos metropolis, owing in part to the influx of people from Lagos and the serene environment provided by navigable Lagos lagoon.
“Ikorodu has the advantage of investing in her natural endowment and as such, should be in the forefront of harnessing maximum potential from the abundant waterways”.
He observed that this singular reason makes it pertinent for investment in water transportation especially by ikorodu business elites and organisation like you.
Adejere expressed hope that, it will not only boost the economic base and investment capacity of the Ikorodu division, but will enhance the area’s strategic advancement of ikorodu division, which I believe other coastal cities like Epe, Badagry and Apapa will eagerly emulate.
“I therefore, charge you to propel, educate member and liaise with the state government in strategic development of water transportation master plan for the benefit of your member and ikorodu generally,” Adejere said.
The ICCI business luncheon is held quarterly to generate ideas that could promote growth in various business areas in line with the best global practices of chamber of commerce and industry.
Hammed lawal, President ICCI in his welcome address said that the task of socio-economic development of Lagos and even the country at large requires collaborative efforts by both public and private sectors in areas such as critical infrastructure like power supply, water ways, good roads and those areas that focus on human capital development.
“Ikorodu division becoming the industrial centre of Lagos state coupled with the sudden increase in commercial activities and the attendant influx of people from other parts of the country, the available roads became insufficient to cope with the transportation needs of the people of ikorodu division, thus rekindling interest in water transportation,” he said.
