The Terminal Manager, Ijede Jetty, Akeem Balogun, has sought bailout for boat operators in the industry.
In an exclusive interview with our correspondent at the jetty in Ikorodu, currently undergoing construction, Balogun explained that operators needed the bailout, as banks refused to lend them money.
He argued that boat operators deserve a bailout like their counterparts in the aviation industry.
He said, “Government has a lot to do in this industry. The people operating airlines are given a bailout. We, boat operators, need a bailout as well. We have problems – financial challenges.
“Banks have refused to lend us money because they said the risk involved in this business is too much. Even insurance companies refused to insure our boats because of the risks.”
Giving an in-depth analysis of the risks involved, the terminal manager said several wrecks littered over the waterways in Ijede which serve as a gateway to Badore in Ajah.
He said, “Look at the water, you can run into a log that is not visible and submerged underwater. It will damage the whole engine. If you are lucky, it will not capsize but the damage to the engine and boat will be there.
“We have a lot of wrecks everywhere. We have a lot of places that should be dredged but are not being dredged. We have a lot of dirt on the water; you can see the water hyacinth. Every last quarter of the year, we experience water hyacinth and it damages the boat engine a lot.
