Hovercraft introduced in Lagos as govt partners UK to ease traffic congestion

As part of efforts to reduce congestion on Lagos roads, the state has partnered with the UK government to enhance waterways transportation.

In a statement on Friday, the British deputy high commission office in Nigeria said a hovercraft has been introduced in the state, which will contribute to reducing road traffic congestion.

According to the statement, Griffon Hoverwork, a UK hovercraft design and manufacturing company, carried out a demonstration of the hovercraft on Friday, in Lagos.

“Recognising the urgency to tackle climate change, the British Deputy High Commissioner, Ben Llewellyn-Jones, and the General Manager, Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA), Mr Oluwadamilola Emmanuel, have witnessed the sea trial of a hovercraft today,” the statement reads.

“The hovercraft is an amphibious boat-like vehicle that travels over water, sand and grass.

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

Ben Llewellyn-Jones, the British deputy high commissioner, said the system would also reduce carbon emissions and support economic growth in the water transport sector.

“The UK government is keen to assist the Lagos state government in the area of water transportation and urban development,” he said.

“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.”

In his remarks, Oluwadamilola Emmanuel, general manager of LASWA, said the state would continue to work with the UK government to improve the water transportation sector.