UK Govt, Lagos boost waterways transportation with hovercraft

The British Deputy High Commission, Lagos has said that it will keep partnering with Lagos State to consider another option to the Lagos transport system with hovercraft.

The hovercraft is an amphibious boat-like vehicle that travels over water, sand and grass. It can easily outpace most boats.

It declared that hovercraft will improve climate resilience, contribute to sustainable and comprehensive economic growth in the city.

This was revealed when The British Deputy High Commissioner, Ben Llewellyn-Jones and the General Manager, Lagos State Waterways Authority, Mr. Oluwadamilola Emmanuel, saw the ocean trail of a hovercraft in Lagos on Friday.

According to the statement, Griffon Hoverwork, a UK hovercraft design and manufacturing company, showed a demonstration as part of the effort of the UK government to boost the waterways transportation system in Lagos.

It said, “An enhanced and reliable water transport system will also reduce congestion on the roads, promote economic growth, and improve competition in the business environment as well as the overall operations in the state.

“It will reduce travel time, improve connectivity between communities and hence provide access to critical services such as healthcare, education and employment.”

Speaking after the ocean trial, Llewellyn-Jones, said, “The UK government is keen to assist the Lagos State Government in the area of water transportation, and urban development.

“Lagos is Africa’s largest city with lots of capacity, but relies excessively on road vehicles for transport, leading to long and expensive commutes and traffic delays.

“Through our Future Cities Nigeria programme, we are working with LASWA to develop water transport routes that reduce road traffic congestion, provide safer, cleaner, reduced cost transport and reduce CO2 emissions.

“It is great to see these plans start to become reality through this trial of a hovercraft on the Lagos waterways. This demonstrates the range of opportunities and potential for UK and other international businesses in this sector to benefit from the new transport routes.”

Emmanuel stated that the UK’s Global Future Cities Programme with the Lagos State Government was assisting to extend the state’s waterways transport and enhance its environs.