By Olasunkanmi Akoni

The water transportation in Lagos seems to have suffered some setbacks following lingering crisis between Lagos State Water Authority, LASWA, and some operators of jetties in the state. The operators among others are protesting the new operational regulations and standard being introduced by the state’s water transportation management. It would be recalled that last month, the Lagos State Government shut down Tarzan Boats’ loading jetty at Ikoyi, Lagos and ordered him to vacate the jetties which the company allegedly leased from the state for 25 years.

Consequently, Association of Tourism Practitioners of Nigeria, ATPN, has called on Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State to reconsider his decision to seal off the Ikoyi Jetty of Gani Tarzan Boats and unilaterally revoke the lease agreement the state entered into through its agent, LASWA.

The agreement was to use some jetties in Lagos as a springboard to develop water transportation the state and also access islands in the state for tourism purposes. ATPN therefore, urged the state government to embrace dialogue and that the matter should be handled properly, rather than outright sanction.

LASWA, in reaction to the claims by the operators, maintained that its developing a master plan for water transportation would accommodate local and international investors and guide them to operate within a specified framework aimed at ensuring required standard is not compromised.