John Alabi

Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, recently struck a chord at an event in Lagos when he emphasised that scaling up innovation to empower the people remains a critical pathway to sustainable development.

Innovation itself may not be a challenge for leaders across Nigeria’s economic and political landscape.

The real test, however, lies in translating promising ideas into tangible outcomes that improve the welfare, prosperity and happiness of the people.

This is the very essence of people-centred governance and a fundamental pillar of national development.

In a littoral state like Lagos, where waterways remain an important economic asset, the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) has evolved beyond the conventional role of regulation and compliance.

Under Damilola Emmanuel leadership, the agency is increasingly positioning itself as a strategic bridge connecting underserved waterfront communities to economic opportunities, improved mobility and broader socioeconomic development.

As Lagos prepares for another political transition in 2027, the LASWA experience offers an important perspective on how purposeful innovation can bring previously overlooked communities into the mainstream of the state’s development agenda.

LASWA’s vision in this regard is neither whimsical nor accidental. It reflects a deliberate effort to empower littoral communities beyond the traditional movement of people and goods, integrating them into a broader governance and economic framework capable of unlocking new opportunities for livelihoods, commerce, tourism and investment.

So, what exactly does LASWA do, and how is it redefining the relationship between waterways and community development?

First, the agency promotes safety on Lagos inland waterways through strategic regulatory measures designed to ensure that vessels operating on the state’s waterways meet established safety requirements.

Beyond this statutory responsibility, however, LASWA is increasingly demonstrating how effective water transportation planning can unlock other economic opportunities for communities situated along the state’s extensive network of waterways.

Through the leadership of Damilola Emmanuel, Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Marine and Blue Economy, LASWA has continued to explore how water transportation can become a catalyst for broader socioeconomic transformation.

Emmanuel’s approach reflects a recognition that waterways are not merely routes for boats and ferries. Properly developed and connected, they can serve as corridors for commerce, tourism, employment generation and community integration.

Consider what LASWA has reportedly achieved through its mapping of Lagos’ littoral communities.

The agency has identified approximately 134 littoral communities across seven local government areas in the state’s three senatorial districts, with an estimated combined population of 502,002 residents.

Beyond the numbers, the exercise reveals an extensive network of communities whose economic potential could be significantly enhanced through improved transportation infrastructure, connectivity and targeted development initiatives.

In Lagos West, the mapping covers Amuwo-Odofin, Badagry and Ojo, with a combined 56 littoral communities and an estimated population of 290,987.

These communities represent a significant economic constituency whose proximity to waterways offers opportunities for commercial expansion, marine tourism, fisheries-related activities and other blue economy enterprises.

With the right infrastructure and policy support, this axis could become an increasingly attractive destination for investors and tourists, drawing on the kind of waterfront economic dynamism associated with established maritime cities such as New York and Venice.

In Lagos East, LASWA has identified 75 littoral communities across Epe and Ibeju-Lekki, with an estimated population of 187,018. Some of these settlements remain relatively underdeveloped, presenting opportunities for strategic interventions that could improve access to markets, expand local businesses and stimulate new economic activities.

The Lagos Central district, covering communities in Eti-Osa and Apapa, accounts for three identified littoral communities with an estimated population of 23,997.

Despite their proximity to important commercial and maritime centres, these communities also stand to benefit from improved connectivity and targeted investments capable of strengthening their economic participation.

Taken together, these figures point to the enormous development possibilities embedded in Lagos’ waterfront settlements.

They also reinforce the need to view water transportation as more than an alternative means of commuting.

It is a potential instrument for opening up new economic frontiers and connecting communities to the opportunities available across the state.

The significance of Lagos West is particularly noteworthy, given its substantial share of the mapped population.

Improved connectivity across this axis could strengthen access to employment, commercial activities and tourism, while creating new opportunities for investors seeking to participate in Lagos’ expanding marine and blue economy.

For Emmanuel, LASWA’s mandate extends beyond boats, engines and safety regulations.

It is also about building an institutional framework through which communities surrounded by water can participate more meaningfully in the state’s economic development.

This understanding is reflected in the identification of approximately 34 rural settlements described as “anchor littoral communities”.

According to the information provided by the agency, these communities have populations exceeding 5,000 residents and could benefit from improved access through water transportation initiatives.

Connecting such settlements to established commercial centres could improve access to markets, reduce mobility constraints and encourage economic activities that might otherwise remain limited by inadequate transportation infrastructure.

Similarly, LASWA has identified 64 feeder communities with varying population sizes, reportedly ranging from about 1,000 to more than 200,000 residents.

These settlements present additional opportunities for infrastructure development and economic linkages with inland communities and other urban destinations.

The identification of anchor and feeder communities is particularly important because it introduces a more structured approach to planning.

Rather than treating every waterfront settlement as an isolated location, the strategy creates room for a network of connected communities, with transportation routes supporting the movement of people, goods and services.

This is where the broader value of satellite settlements becomes apparent. By integrating communities that have historically faced limited access to essential economic opportunities, Lagos can expand the reach of development, encourage local enterprise and create new pathways to prosperity.

Ultimately, leadership must be measured by its impact on people’s lives.

It must deliberately connect welfare, economic empowerment and improved access to opportunities with a development agenda that enables communities to become productive contributors to the economy rather than passive recipients of government intervention.

One practical illustration of this approach is the reported connection between Ibeshe Jetty and Majidun.

The initiative provides an alternative route for ferry operations to bypass waterways affected by water hyacinth, potentially improving connectivity and creating additional travel options for residents.

Beyond its immediate transportation benefits, such interventions demonstrate how relatively targeted infrastructure solutions can address specific geographical challenges while opening up opportunities for tourism and other economic activities.

The experience also offers a glimpse into the possibilities of integrating environmental realities into transportation planning.

In communities where water hyacinth can disrupt navigation, alternative routes and carefully planned infrastructure can help sustain mobility and improve access.

Where, then, does the European Union- and Agence Française de Développement (AFD)-backed Omi Eko project fit into this development framework?

The initiative is designed to support the development of climate-smart water transportation in Lagos, with the potential to strengthen the state’s inland waterways system.

Its relevance extends beyond improving the efficiency of existing routes. It also raises the prospect of expanding connectivity and making water transportation more accessible to communities that have remained outside the mainstream of infrastructure development.

For the littoral communities identified by LASWA, the project’s broader promise lies in the possibility of connecting transportation planning with environmental sustainability, improved mobility and inclusive economic growth.

If effectively implemented alongside complementary infrastructure and community-focused policies, Omi Eko could help strengthen the foundations for a more integrated inland waterways network, allowing the benefits of improved transportation to reach a wider segment of Lagos’ population.

LASWA’s infrastructure development efforts provide another indication of this evolving agenda. Since 2023, seven jetties have reportedly been commissioned, while another 13 are under construction or awaiting commissioning.

These projects are significant not merely as physical structures but as potential gateways to economic participation.

A well-planned jetty can improve access to transportation, support local businesses, encourage tourism and make it easier for residents to connect with commercial centres.

The real measure of success, however, will be the extent to which these investments translate into safer journeys, reduced travel difficulties, stronger local economies and improved living conditions for the people who depend on the waterways.

As Lagos continues to explore the opportunities presented by its marine and blue economy, LASWA’s community-mapping initiative and infrastructure interventions offer a useful example of how innovation can be directed towards inclusive development.

The challenge ahead is to sustain this momentum through effective implementation, adequate maintenance, reliable ferry services, environmental protection and partnerships that encourage private-sector participation. Equally important is ensuring that the communities identified through the mapping exercise become active participants in the development process.

For Damilola Emmanuel and LASWA, the task is therefore much bigger than managing water transportation.

It is about demonstrating how an institution can use innovation, planning and connectivity to bring overlooked communities into the state’s socioeconomic development framework.

Lagos’ rivers, creeks and coastal waters have often been viewed primarily as geographical barriers or operational challenges.

With the right policies, investments and institutional commitment, however, these same waterways can become valuable assets for commerce, tourism, employment and community development.

That is the larger promise of LASWA’s evolving role: transforming waterways from obstacles into opportunities and connecting people not only to destinations, but also to the economic possibilities that lie beyond them.

In the final analysis, innovation achieves its greatest value when its benefits are felt by ordinary people. And where waterways meet purposeful leadership, the possibilities for inclusive growth in Lagos are considerable.

Funso OLOJO, Editor 

The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has reaffirmed its commitment to safer waterways, improved navigation infrastructure and sustainable economic growth, declaring that effective implementation of maritime policies remains critical to unlocking Nigeria’s marine and blue economy potential.

The Acting Managing Director of NIWA, Alhaji Yusuf Girei, gave the assurance in his goodwill message to mark the 2026 World Maritime Day celebration, themed “From Policy to Practice: Powering Excellence.”

Girei congratulated maritime stakeholders on the occasion and commended their contributions to the development of Nigeria’s maritime industry.

He stressed that policies could only deliver meaningful value when translated into concrete actions that improve operational efficiency, strengthen safety and stimulate economic growth.

“This year’s theme reminds us that strong policies create value only when they are translated into meaningful action. In the maritime sector, that means safer waterways, reliable infrastructure, environmental stewardship and services that support trade and economic growth,” he said.

The celebration was attended by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola; the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs. Fatima Sugra Mahmood; the chairperson and keynote speaker, Mrs. Mfon Usoro; directors and heads of departments; chief executives of agencies under the Ministry; members of the diplomatic corps; maritime industry stakeholders; and the media.

The NIWA chief executive reiterated the Authority’s resolve to strengthen collaboration with state governments, industry operators, host communities and development partners to improve navigation, enhance safety standards, modernise facilities and safeguard the waterways that sustain millions of livelihoods.

According to him, excellence in the maritime sector requires collective commitment, supported by skilled professionals, effective regulation, investment in innovation and an operational culture that prioritises safety and environmental sustainability.

He added that sustained collaboration among stakeholders would help build a maritime industry capable of competing globally while responding to the needs of local communities and emerging economic opportunities.

“By working together, we can build a maritime sector that is competitive, inclusive and prepared for the future,” Girei stated.

He also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, the Permanent Secretary and other stakeholders for their contributions to the growth and advancement of Nigeria’s maritime industry.

The NIWA boss urged participants at the celebration to move beyond shared commitments and translate their collective vision into practical initiatives capable of delivering measurable improvements across the sector.

A major highlight of the celebration was the presentation of awards to winners of the Primary School Children’s Essay Competition, sponsored by NIWA as part of efforts to encourage young Nigerians to develop an interest in the maritime sector.

Girei participated in the presentation of prizes to the winners, who received cash awards and laptop computers in recognition of their outstanding performances.

Idris Jibril Oladimeji of Holy Cross Primary School, Lagos, emerged first and received ₦200,000 and a laptop computer.

Suleiman Aisha of St. Paul’s Anglican School, Lagos Island, came second, winning ₦150,000 and a laptop computer, while Yahaya Aliyah of St. Mathias Girls Primary School, Lagos, took third position, receiving ₦100,000 and a laptop computer.

The initiative underscored the importance of engaging younger generations in maritime development and encouraging early awareness of the sector’s economic, environmental and social significance.

Girei, on behalf of the NIWA Board, Management and staff, wished maritime stakeholders a successful World Maritime Day celebration, reiterating the Authority’s commitment to safer inland waterways, operational excellence and sustainable development.

Gloria Odion, reporter 

The Blue Lagos Sustainability Initiative, in partnership with Uriel Construction Limited, has commenced the construction of five solar-powered boreholes across underserved riverine communities in Lagos State as part of efforts to improve access to safe water and promote sustainable community development.

The projects, sponsored by the Koh Pbat Campaign Team through Uriel Construction Limited, cover five communities across Badagry, Amuwo-Odofin, Ojo and Epe Local Government Areas.

The development coincides with a multi-sectoral medical and humanitarian outreach organised by Blue Lagos at Ebute Ajagun, Iworo, in Badagry Local Government Area, where residents of neighbouring riverine communities received free medical services, food assistance, livelihood support and life jackets.

The interventions reflect the initiative’s commitment to addressing challenges confronting coastal and riverine communities, particularly limited access to healthcare, safe drinking water, livelihood opportunities and waterway safety.

The five solar-powered borehole projects are strategically located to improve access to reliable water supplies in underserved communities.

The beneficiary communities are:

– Seje Jegba, Badagry Local Government Area.
– Sagbonkodji, Amuwo-Odofin Local Government Area.
– Olomometa, Ojo Local Government Area.
– Agadangba, Ward C1, Epe Local Government Area.
– Igbo Apawa, Ward D1, Epe Local Government Area.

According to the initiative, the projects are expected to ease the difficulties residents face in accessing safe water for domestic use while improving sanitation, public health and household welfare.

The adoption of solar-powered systems is also expected to support sustainable water supply by reducing dependence on conventional electricity, particularly in communities where infrastructure challenges often affect access to essential services.

Access to safe water remains critical to public health, hygiene and overall living standards. The projects therefore represent an effort to complement immediate humanitarian assistance with infrastructure that can deliver lasting benefits to beneficiary communities.

In a related development, Blue Lagos has extended its community development interventions to Badagry through a multi-sectoral medical and humanitarian outreach held at Ebute Ajagun, Iworo.

The programme reached residents of Daddy Louis, Ajido, Etesa, Epe and Ebute Eleja, among other riverine communities, many of whom face geographical and infrastructural barriers to accessing basic healthcare and other essential services.

The outreach featured free medical services sponsored by the Medical and Safety Directorate of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors (RHA), alongside food palliatives donated by the RHA’s Humanitarian Affairs Directorate.

Residents also received fish-smoking kilns donated by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Dr Oreoluwa Finnih, to support local livelihoods.

In addition, the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) donated life jackets to promote safety among residents who rely on boats and other water transportation for fishing, commuting and other daily activities.

The distribution of life jackets forms part of broader efforts to encourage safer use of Lagos waterways, particularly among people whose livelihoods depend on water transportation.

Speaking on the interventions, the Team Lead of Blue Lagos, Mr Saheed Adesanya, reaffirmed the initiative’s commitment to promoting inclusive development by ensuring that residents of underserved coastal and riverine communities across Lagos State have access to essential services, humanitarian support and sustainable development opportunities, regardless of their geographical location.

Adesanya explained that the ongoing intervention in Badagry Local Government Area builds on previous community development initiatives carried out in several riverine communities across the state, including Sagbonkodji, Bishop Kodji, Takwa Bay and Ilado-Odo in Amuwo-Odofin, as well as Yegunda, Ito Omu, Isan, Oko-Abe, Ito Osun, Saga, Emina and Take Nla in Epe, among other locations.

He noted that these interventions reflect Blue Lagos’ broader commitment to addressing the developmental challenges confronting communities in hard-to-reach areas, particularly those with limited access to basic infrastructure, healthcare services, safe drinking water and other essential amenities.

According to him, the initiative adopts a community-centred approach that combines immediate humanitarian assistance with practical, long-term interventions aimed at improving public health, strengthening local livelihoods, enhancing waterway safety and promoting sustainable development.

He added that the approach is designed to address both the immediate needs of residents and the underlying challenges affecting their overall well-being.

Adesanya further emphasised the importance of partnerships in achieving meaningful and lasting development outcomes, noting that collaboration with organisations such as Uriel Construction Limited enables Blue Lagos to extend its reach and deliver interventions that respond to the specific needs of underserved communities.

He maintained that the initiative would continue to identify priority areas requiring intervention, engage relevant stakeholders and implement targeted projects that improve living conditions, expand access to essential services and create opportunities for inclusive growth across Lagos State.

He added that Blue Lagos remains committed to ensuring that residents of coastal and riverine communities are not left behind in the state’s development efforts, stressing that sustainable progress can only be achieved when the needs of all communities are recognised and addressed.

Blue Lagos acknowledged the support of its patron, Mr Oluwadamilola Emmanuel, Special Adviser to the Governor on Blue Economy, for his strategic engagement and contributions towards advancing the initiative’s objectives.

The initiative also commended LASWA for donating life jackets to improve safety among residents who depend on Lagos waterways.

It further recognised Dr Oreoluwa Finnih, Special Adviser to the Governor on Sustainable Development Goals, for supporting the medical outreach and donating fish-smoking kilns to promote livelihood development.

Special appreciation was extended to the Humanitarian Affairs Directorate of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, under the leadership of Ms Bisola Olusanya, for providing food palliatives distributed during the outreach and other community interventions.

The Koh Pbat Campaign Team was also commended for sponsoring the five solar-powered borehole projects through Uriel Construction Limited, describing the contribution as an important step towards improving access to essential water infrastructure in underserved riverine communities.

Blue Lagos emphasised that sustained collaboration among government agencies, corporate organisations, humanitarian groups, development partners and community stakeholders is essential to expanding access to healthcare, safe water, economic opportunities and waterway safety.

As the initiative continues to extend its interventions across Badagry, Amuwo-Odofin, Ojo, Epe and other riverine areas of Lagos State, it reiterated its commitment to inclusive and sustainable development under its guiding principle: “No Community Is Left Behind.”