Lagos To Boost Water Transportation With Electric-powered Ferries, Modern Jetties, Intelligent Ticketing Systems

The Lagos State Government has unveiled the Omi-Eko Project, an ambitious initiative designed to transform water transportation through electric-powered ferries, modern jetties, and intelligent ticketing systems.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu recently announced the project in a post on X, describing it as “another decisive step toward transforming transportation in Lagos.”

“The OMI-EKO Project strengthens our commitment to building a cleaner, safer, and more efficient city where water becomes a true channel for mobility and opportunity,” Sanwo-Olu said.

According to the governor, the project will be implemented in two major phases.

Sanwo-Olu said the first focuses on inland waterways infrastructure, including the construction of 25 ferry terminals and jetties, 15 priority ferry routes, and the dredging and marking of 140 kilometres of water channels.

He said each terminal will also feature electric charging points, maintenance depots, and improved road connections to enhance intermodal access.

He said the second phase will focus on sustainable operations, with plans to deploy over 75 electric-powered ferries, introduce intelligent transport systems for ticketing and passenger information, and boost capacity development for the Lagos State Waterways Authority.

“For generations, Lagos has been defined by water, yet our roads have carried most of the city’s movement.

“The OMI-EKO Project changes that narrative through focused investment in modern water transport,” Sanwo-Olu said.

He added that the goal was to give Lagosians “more options to move safely and efficiently while easing congestion and supporting economic growth.”

Sanwo-Olu also acknowledged the project’s development partners, the French Development Agency, the European Union, and the European Investment Bank, for supporting the state’s push toward a sustainable, low-carbon transport system.

 

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Lagos To Host 2025 International Climate Change Summit

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has reaffirmed the State’s commitment to advancing sustainable growth through innovation and investment in resilience as it hosts the 2025 International Climate Change Summit.

The 2025 Summit with the theme: “Blue Economy, Green Money: Financing Africa’s Coastal Resilience and Ocean Innovation”, billed to hold at the Lagos Continental Hotel between the 6th and 7th of November will attract global leaders, investors, climate scientists, and policy makers.

A statement signed by the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab quoted the Governor as noting that Lagos has continued to demonstrate leadership in subnational climate action and developing practical mechanisms for city-level climate finance.

The Governor reiterated that the State has also been developing blue bonds, and nature-based coastal protection projects that are shaping Africa’s next decade of sustainable urban development.

"As Africa’s fastest-growing coastal city, Lagos stands at the frontline of both climate risk and innovation. Her goal is to unlock sustainable financing that protects the people, builds resilience, and drives economic growth through the power of the blue economy,” he stated.

Setting the tone for the conference, the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab said: “The Lagos International Climate Change Summit 2025 is more than a conference, it is a declaration that African cities can finance their own future,” 

“We invite global leaders, investors, and innovators to join Lagos as we redefine what coastal resilience looks like for the Global South,” he added.

The event will convene to accelerate action and investment in Africa’s coastal and ocean economies ahead of the 2025 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30).

The 2025 Summit which is the 11th in the series will serve as a strategic engagement platform for African and global stakeholders to align priorities, deepen partnerships, and strengthen Africa’s voice in global climate negotiations.

It will also spotlight blue economy financing as a key frontier for climate adaptation, innovation, and job creation in Africa just as discussions will centre on unlocking investment for ocean energy, sustainable fisheries, mangrove restoration, and coastal infrastructure through green and blended finance instruments.

The Summit will also highlight ongoing and pipeline projects supporting coastal resilience, environmental innovation, and sustainable livelihoods in Lagos.

Delegates and participants are expected to include representatives from: African Development Bank (AfDB), the World Bank and Eko Atlantic.

 

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Fleeing Suspects Abandon 32 iPhones, Five Laptops, Others In Ikeja

The Rapid Response Squad (RRS) of the Lagos police command, has recovered 75 mobile phones as well as five laptops believed to have been stolen around the Ikeja area of the state.

Spokesperson of the command, SP Abimbola Adebisi, confirmed this in a statement to journalists in Lagos.

Ms Adebisi said that the recovery took place on October 5 at about 5:30 a.m. near Allen roundabouts in Ikeja.

She said that the RRS operatives on routine patrol had sighted two men carrying two large “Ghana Must Go” bags, who immediately took off upon noticing the police team.

“The suspects abandoned the bags and fled.

“Upon inspection, the operatives discovered 32 iPhones of different models, 38 other smartphones of various brands, including Samsung, Redmi, Tecno, and Honor.

“They also recovered five laptops, several smart wristwatches, AirPods, a Samsung Tab, a Sorapad, and a number of damaged phones,” she said.

According to her, the RRS commander, CSP Shola Jejeloye, said that preliminary investigations showed that the items were stolen properties which were hastily abandoned by the suspects while fleeing from the police.

She said that the commander has urged members of the public who may have lost similar gadgets within Ikeja and its environs, to visit the RRS headquarters in Alausa, with verifiable proof of ownership, for identification and recovery

The spokesperson said that the Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh, commended the RRS operatives for their vigilance and professionalism.

“While commending the officers, CP Jimoh reiterated the command’s commitment to an intelligence-driven policing, proactive crime prevention, and sustained efforts to ensure the safety and security of residents across the state,” she said

 

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Police Smash Car-Snatching Gang In Igando

The Lagos State Police Command has dismantled a car-snatching syndicate notorious for operating across Lagos and neighbouring states, recovering five stolen

vehicles and several firearms in the process.

Commissioner of Police, Adegoke Fayoade, who paraded the suspects at their hideout in the Igando area on Friday, described the arrest as another major

breakthrough in the state’s ongoing efforts to combat violent crime.

According to him, three members of the gang were arrested at their residence, which also served as their operational base where they planned and executed

attacks on unsuspecting motorists.

“The suspects specialised in pretending to be passengers before robbing their victims mid-transit and dispossessing them of their vehicles,” Fayoade explained.

He cautioned private car owners, particularly civil servants and professionals, against picking up unknown passengers in exchange for money to offset fuel

costs, warning that such practices often expose them to danger.

“It is extremely risky. If you cannot afford fuel, park your vehicle until you can. Many victims fall prey to these criminals by offering rides to strangers,”

he advised.

Fayoade revealed that while one of the reported robberies occurred in the Lekki-Ajah area of Lagos, investigations uncovered that the syndicate had also

carried out similar operations in Oyo and Edo States.

“Our investigation into a single robbery case led to the unravelling of the entire gang. So far, five vehicles have been recovered, including two displayed

here today,” he said.

Among the items recovered from the suspects were a pump-action rifle, an English-made pistol with erased serial numbers, several live cartridges, and charms

believed to be used for protection during their operations.

The police commissioner reiterated the command’s commitment to ensuring safety across the state.

“Lagos remains safe. We are on top of our game in crime prevention, control, and timely detection,” he assured.

He also urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities within their neighbourhoods.

“Criminals are not spirits; they live among us. If you notice individuals without a clear means of livelihood or those moving in and out at odd hours,

please report to the nearest police station,” Fayoade urged.

He commended the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, for providing the logistical and tactical support that continues to strengthen the fight

against crime in Lagos.

 

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Depression: Woman Falls Into 60-Foot Well In Ikorodu

A 32-year-old woman has been hospitalised after falling into a 60-foot well in the Agric Road, Ikorodu Local Government Area of Lagos State, reportedly as a result of depression.

The Controller General of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Margaret Adeseye, disclosed this in a statement.

According to Adeseye, the agency had received a distress call in the early hours of Wednesday about the incident.

She noted that preliminary findings showed that the victim had wandered into the area before falling into the well.

Accompanying video of the incident showed the moment firefighters descended into the well and rescued the woman, who had sustained injuries to her head with visible blood stains.

She added that upon arrival at the scene of the incident, firefighters immediately conducted a rescue operation and rescued the lady alive.

Adeseye stated, “A distress call was received regarding a reportedly depressed female adult, approximately 32 years old, who accidentally fell into an uncovered well about 60 feet deep.

“The victim was said to have wandered from a nearby building before the incident occurred while she was sitting on the edge of the well.

“Upon arrival, the rescue crew immediately commenced operations and successfully rescued the victim alive. She was subsequently taken to a nearby hospital for medical attention.”

The LSFRS boss noted that the cause of the accidental fall was attributed to a depressed condition.

“The probable cause was an accidental fall resulting from a depressed condition,” Adeseye concluded.

Depression and associated mental health issues have been attributed to the worsening economic conditions, which have continued to put pressure on many individuals.

PUNCH Healthwise reported in April 2024 that there had been a disturbing rise in mental health-related incidents in Lagos and other parts of Nigeria.

Similarly, it reported in September 2024 that the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Yaba, recorded a patient admission increase by almost 100 per cent in 2023, with experts linking the surge to economic hardship, unemployment, and social instability.

Experts have urged the government to intensify awareness campaigns and establish more community-based mental health centres, stressing that untreated depression often leads to tragic incidents like suicide attempts and self-harm.

 

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Police Arrest Eight Cultists In Ikorodu

Operatives of the Lagos State Police Command have arrested eight suspected cultists and armed robbers during a targeted operation in the Odogunyan area of Ikorodu, as part of ongoing efforts to rid the state of criminal elements.

In a statement, the Police Public Relations Officer, Abimbola Adebisi, said the suspects were apprehended during an early morning raid by the Command’s Bullock Tactical Team, following credible intelligence. The operation, conducted at about 5:30 a.m., led to the arrest of Fadiya Ayodele (27), Lawal Rasheed (28), Akerele Demilare (27), Alimi Victor (23), Okiki Alufoge (25), Nurudeen Dolapo (25), Agboola Samuel (25), and Ayolade Victor (25).

Items recovered from the suspects included a Nigerian military camouflage uniform, a battle axe, an assault dagger, several charms, and counterfeit United States dollar bills totaling $3,000.

During interrogation, Fadiya Ayodele reportedly confessed to being the leader of the Eiye Confraternity.

in the area and admitted to having previously handed over a locally made pistol to one Adewunmi Annadex, who is currently on the run. Police said efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspect and recover the firearm.

Commending the operatives for their professionalism and swift response, the Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to protecting the lives and property of Lagos residents.

“The Command will continue to sustain its intelligence-driven operations and make Lagos State uncomfortable for criminals,” the CP assured.

The police added that the suspects will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.

 

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Train Crushes Dispatch Rider To Death At Ikeja

Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, LASTMA, has renewed its appeal for caution and strict compliance with traffic regulations following a tragic collision between a moving train and a dispatch rider that occurred at the PWD Railway Level Crossing in Ikeja.

According to a statement issued by the agency, the accident occurred when the dispatch rider, whose motorcycle bore registration number AGL 179 QR, attempted to cross the tracks despite an approaching train. The impact, which happened near the route leading to Ikeja GRA, resulted in the rider’s instant death.

Eyewitnesses said the victim tried to outpace the train, ignoring the warning signals and speed restrictions at the level crossing.

“He rode in a hurry and disregarded the signals alerting of an oncoming train,” one witness recounted.

Following the incident, LASTMA officials swiftly arrived at the scene to manage traffic and cordon off the area. They were later joined by officers from the Shogunle Police Division, while personnel from the Lagos State Environmental Health Monitoring Unit, SEHMU, evacuated the body.

Reacting to the incident, LASTMA General Manager, Mr Olalekan Bakare-Oki, expressed deep condolences to the victim’s family, describing the tragedy as a sobering reminder of the dangers of recklessness and impatience on Lagos roads.

“This unfortunate event is a stark reminder of the deadly consequences of impatience and disregard for safety rules, especially at railway crossings,” Bakare-Oki said.

He urged dispatch riders and motorists to respect warning signs, traffic lights, and barriers, stressing that railway intersections require maximum vigilance.

“We appeal to all road users to be patient, cautious, and responsible to prevent avoidable deaths,” he added.

Bakare-Oki reaffirmed LASTMA’s commitment to road safety education and enforcement, announcing plans to intensify awareness campaigns and surveillance around high-risk areas across the state.

“LASTMA remains steadfast in its mission to promote discipline, proactive enforcement, and continuous public enlightenment to ensure safety across the Lagos metropolis,” he stated.

 

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