Boat operators within Amuwo Odofin Local Government area are unhappy about the low patronage recorded in recent times.
On a visit to Capital Oil Jetty, after Durbar Road, Amuwo Odofin, at which boat operators were seen seated idle with no passengers to transport to the regular route of Apapa.
The beach master, Mr. Olanrewaju Ibrahim who is also the manager of Capital Oil Jetty, complained about the low patronage they are currently faced with.
Mr. Ibrahim said, “In recent times, patronage has dropped. Previously, when the road from Facgbems fueling station to Liverpool was bad, people left their cars at home and used the boat. Since the road is getting better, patronage here is low.”
Mr. Ibrahim claimed the low patronage has affected the boat transportation business in the area, as he addressed the need for minor renovation of the jetty and the replacement of some substandard life jackets that they currently have.
The situation is not different at Aquaria Jetty, beside Rumors Club, 1st Avenue, Festac Town.
Mr. Ovie Abisini, boat operator, said, “Normally, if you see the car park, there are cars everywhere, but now the work is not going like it used to.
“Now that the road to Apapa has been opened, road users don’t use the boats anymore and would rather use a motorcycle to reach their offices quickly.”
Mr. Abisini said, “The work has dropped for about three months now, although passengers still come, it is far from what it used to be.”
According to Femi Ekubami, helmsman at Aquaria Jetty, who told Amuwo News, “Everywhere is tough, there’s no business. We are struggling here, and when customers come, we have to beg for them to board the boats. The work is not going well anymore.”
Mr. Ekubami also stated that some customers have complained about the N600 that is currently charged and he believes it’s one of the reasons customers opt for motorcycles now that the Apapa road has been opened to commuters.
