ATBOWATON National President Dr. Tarzan Shekoni Balogun (second from left) with Deputy National President Alhaji Kola Adesiyan on his right during the campaign for President Tinubu
The Association of Tourist Boat Operators and Water Transporters of Nigeria (ATBOWATON) has embarked on sensitization and awareness campaigns among its members and members of the public to canvas for support for the re-election of the Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and also the election Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat as governor of Lagos State. Both are candidates of the All Progressive Congress (APC) for the early 2027 general elections in Nigeria.

The awareness campaign which was held at the Ijegun Egba Boat Jetty in Oriade council area of Lagos attracted thousands of ATBOWATON members and residents of the area.

While speaking on the campaign, the ATBOWATON National President Dr. Tarzan Balogun Shekoni said the association with its strong membership base that cuts across the six geo-political zones, decided to support President Tinubu and for continuity in governance in Lagos State for the improvement in water transportation the current APC government at the Federal and Lagos State have brought to water transportation.

Council Chairman Oriade Local Government Area, Lagos Mr. Razak Olojede speaking during the campaign, on his right is the ATBOWATON President Dr. Tarzan Shekoni Balogun
He said: “ With our strong membership base in not less than 35 zones in Lagos State now, from Epe to Badagry, and from Badagry to Port Novo, also we operate from Lagos to Ondo State, it has become important that our voices be heard. We are here today to support the government-present one and incoming one. We are here to support the president because we appreciate what he has done for us. We have been provided with thousands of life jackets by Federal Government through that Ministry of Blue Economy, through National Inland Waterways (NIWA), and at the state level through LASWA (the Lagos State Waterways Authority). Whenever we cry to them that these are the problems we are having on the waterways, LASWA always gets up. They go around, they have their patrol boat which you can see. Also NIWA, they do the same thing. If the federal government, state government is doing this, and our local government chairman of this zone is here with us, what else do we want?” Balogun called on his members to make sure they campaign and vote massively for President Tinubu and elect Dr. Hamzat as the new governor of Lagos.

Balogun also used the opportunity to appeal to his members to prioritise safety while carry passengers as this would help sustain their business. He said: “So, I am appealing to all the boat operators, please, always be safety conscious. Number one before you move your boat on the waterways, be safety conscious. If we lose one passenger on the water, 100 will run away. Some people behave as if they don’t even have their blood in their heart, they don’t touch water. Some people if they are inside the boat, they close their eyes until the boat gets to the other side. We want them to open their eyes. We want them to feel comfortable. The more they are comfortable, the more they will come to patronize us. But the more they are afraid, the more they will run away.

“I’m appealing to all the boat operators in Lagos State, please let’s take security, safety of our passenger as number one.”

Earlier in his welcome address, the state Deputy Chairman of ATBOWATON Lagos State Mr. Balogun Segun said in the area of water transportation the Lagos State government, right from when President Tinubu was the governor of the state, has tremendously improved water transportation.

He explained: “There was a time when we had very few jetties and boat operators faced serious difficulties in accessing suitable places to operate. But the government listened to our concern and provided more jetties, making our work easier. We also had a time when boat operators have to travel far to mainland to buy fuel because there were not enough fuel stations close to our waterway. We raised this concern and the government responded by supporting the provision of more fuel and station around our water. Today, getting fuel is easier for many of our operators.

“We also faced serious problem with debris on our waterway. This dangerous debris caused boat accidents and damaged our boats and engines. After we raised our concern, the state and federal government worked together on effort to remove debris from our waterway. This has helped clear our waterway and make operation safer.”

On why ATBOWATON members are supporting Tinubu, Segun said: “We support Tinubu and Hamzat. We support Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu to lead our great nation as President. We believe in continuity, progress and leadership that will move Nigeria forward. We therefore express our support for his election as President of Federal Republic of Nigeria. We also support Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat for Governor of Lagos State. We believe that he can build on the achievement of the outgoing state government and continue the good work that has already been started.”

Segun said ATBOWATON members expect that the progress made in water transportation would not stop. “We want the incoming government to continue this effort and extend them to more community across Lagos State. Although we appreciate the jetty provided, some remote areas still needs more jetties. We also need additional fuel stations closer to more waterways so that operators can serve passengers easily and efficiently. We believe that with the right leadership, continuous cooperation, this can be achieved.

“Water transportation is an important part of Lagos State. Thousands of people depend on our waterways to travel, do business, and earn a living. As we look to the future, we want the incoming government to give greater attention to: more jetties and fuel stations to make our work easier and bring services to remote area. We also need continuous safety on our waterways, security, youths empowerment and loans with flexible repayment arrangements.”

He said as an association, the members were ready to work with the Lagos State Government and relevant agencies to make the waterways safer, improve service and create more opportunity for members, adding that ATBOWATON would continue to support peace, unity, professionalism and cooperation with the government.

Also speaking at the occasion, the Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Blue Economy, Mr. Oluwadamilola Emmanuel, who was represented by his aide, Mr. Ibrahim Oladayo, said for the Lagos State government, the Blue Economy represents a significant opportunity for economic growth, job creation, investment and sustainable development. And that for a state with extensive network of waterways, lagoon and coastal communities, the opportunities were enormous.

He continued: “The vision of President Tinubu under the Renewed Hope Agenda recognizes the importance of diversifying Nigeria’s economy, strengthening infrastructure and unlocking the enormous potential of our marine and aquatic resources

“At the state level, the administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu remains committed to positioning Lagos as a leading hub for maritime development and water transportation.

“Through initiatives such as the Omi Eko Project, Lagos is taking significant steps towards transforming water transportation through modern ferry infrastructure, electric vessels, improved terminals, waterway dredging and digital transportation systems.

“However, this transformation must be inclusive. Our existing boat operators and water transporters must remain active participants and beneficiaries of the opportunities emerging within the sector.”

He encouraged ATBOWATON members to embrace professionalism, prioritise safety, comply with regulatory standards and remain open to innovation and modern practices, urging them to also be politically informed and actively engaged in democratic processes. Knowing that government policies directly affect their businesses and livelihoods, he urged them add their voices, participate and constructive contribute to shaping the future of the industry.