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.