Fact-check: Is there a Ferryboat Service from Onitsha to Lagos?
A video circulating on social media, particularly on X and Facebook, claims that a ferry service has commenced between Onitsha and Lagos with a fare of ₦7,000 per seat.
The text accompanying the video footage reads, “Onitsha to Lagos by ferry ₦7k per seat… interesting times ahead! Lagos to PHC, Uyo, loading…Marine & Blue Economy.”
This claim has sparked widespread praise on social media, with many commending the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration for what is perceived as a significant milestone. However, some remain skeptical, questioning the authenticity and feasibility of the development.
The Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy is tasked with managing and regulating Nigeria’s marine and coastal resources while promoting the sustainable development of the blue economy, including shipping, ports, and inland waterways.
Verification:
Inquiries by PRNigeria reveal that no mainstream media outlets have reported anything concerning the commencement of ferry services between Lagos and Onitsha as depicted in the video.
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However, investigations indicate that Lagos State has been in the forefront of developing its water transportation system. For instance, the State Ferry Services (LAGFERRY) has expanded its operations by adding new high-capacity ferries to its fleet. These ferries are designed to provide safe and efficient transportation for both passengers and goods. LAGFERRY operates on several routes, including Ikorodu, Ebute Ero, CMS, Badore, Ikoyi within the state. Therefore, Onitsha in Anambra is not part of the project.
There is no evidence that the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy under President Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda has any plan in place to construct a waterway route from Onitsha to Lagos.
Also, additional investigation revealed media reports indicating that information close to the claims on the Onitsha-Lagos waterway route actually refers to the Onitsha River Port, which was commissioned in 1983 and upgraded in 2012.
A thorough investigation by PRNigeria’s fact-check team has traced the true origin of the video. Findings reveal that the footage was originally recorded in Zanzibar, Tanzania. Zanzibar, an archipelago located 22 miles off Tanzania’s coast in the Indian Ocean, renowned for its breathtaking beaches, rich culture, and vibrant history.
The original video was captioned: “Zanzibar to Mainland ferry in Tanzania.” However, mischief-makers manipulated the text, falsely claiming that the footage depicted the Onitsha-to-Lagos route in Nigeria.
Conclusion: PRNigeria’s investigation reveals that the video claiming to show a ferryboat operating from Onitsha to Lagos, with a fare of N7,000 per seat, is actually manipulated footage from Zanzibar, Tanzania. The original text was altered to falsely portray the ferry as part of a Nigerian service, misleadingly attributing it as an achievement of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy and a milestone of the Tinubu Administration.
PRNigeria therefore concludes that the claim is misleading.
By PRNigeria
