He made the plea in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Tuesday at the inauguration of a 35-seater boat.

Erejuwa who said he had been in the business of building boats for 32 years, said he needed government support for a conducive environment for his operations.

“I have built more than 40 of the 20-seater boats; 30 of the 10-seater boats; and one of the 35-seater boat, which I am showcasing to the world now.

“When I discovered that some of the covered boats capsized, I carried out a research and came up with an open boat which stopped the challenge of capsizing.

“Except human errors when someone drinks or rides boat at night which could lead to accidents.

“I need support from the government like providing suitable space for my workshop, available chemicals for my work as well as patronage.

“Ferries have been helping in reducing traffic on our roads and with government’s support, the water transport business would attract over 60 percent of Lagos residents.

“On a daily basis, they parked more than 300 cars at the jetties. If all the cars find their way to the road, there will be a lot of traffic on the road,” Erejuwa said.

The 35-year old boatbuilder said he could build a catamaran and ship with government support if he could get more than four hectares of land.

He also pleaded for the government’s support to enable him to purchase chemicals to assist him to remain in the boat-building business. (NAN)

– Mar. 2, 2021 @ 16:25 GMT