By Jimoh Babatunde

LAGOS — As dusk settles over Lagos’ inland waterways, the tempo at the jetties begins to slow. Engines power down, the crowds thin, and the once-busy channels take on a quieter, more uncertain character. For Tarzan Boats, this is the point where business gives way to caution.

The operator has reaffirmed its policy of restricting night travel, urging commuters to complete their journeys before dark to reduce the risk of accidents on the water.

According to the Managing Director of Tarzan Jetties, Engr. Ganiyu Shekoni Balogun, night operations on inland waterways present hazards that many regular passengers underestimate.

“Once it gets dark on the water, everything changes,” Balogun said. “Visibility drops sharply, familiar routes become harder to navigate, and emergency response time is significantly reduced. What feels like a normal trip in daylight can quickly become dangerous at night.”

Balogun explained that while many commuters consider short evening crossings routine, changing water conditions and limited visibility after sunset increase the likelihood of mishaps. He stressed that when incidents occur at night, rescue efforts can be more complicated and delayed.

To prioritise safety, the company has fixed its final departures at 6:00 p.m. from Baduri and 6:30 p.m. from Ejede, ensuring trips are completed before darkness fully sets in.

“If it were only about profit, we could run much later,” he noted. “But safety must always come before money. Responsible transport sometimes means refusing to take risks.”

The policy, however, has not been without resistance. Some passengers have expressed frustration after missing the last boats or having to adjust their schedules. Others have questioned why services cannot be extended to meet evening demand.

Balogun maintains that the decision is rooted in experience and a deep awareness of the human cost of waterway accidents.

“Many tragedies begin as ordinary trips,” he said. “When you have seen the aftermath of such incidents, prevention becomes a moral responsibility, not just a business decision.”

He called on commuters to share in the responsibility for safety by planning their movements earlier and complying with operational guidelines.

As Lagos continues to expand its use of waterways as an alternative transport network, operators say safety consciousness must grow alongside usage. For Tarzan Boats, ending operations before nightfall is a deliberate commitment to ensuring that every journey concludes safely.

“Our goal is simple,” Balogun added. “We want every passenger and crew member to arrive home alive and well.”