Bariga Waterfront is one of the most important transport hubs in Lagos today. Located along the shores of the Lagos Lagoon, it has been transformed from a simple shoreline into a modern jetty and park. For many Lagosians living in Bariga, Akoka, and Shomolu, this place is the "secret weapon" to beat the heavy traffic on the Third Mainland Bridge. Whether you want to "enter boat" to Ikorodu or you just want to enjoy the breeze, Bariga Waterfront is the place to be.
In this guide, we will break down where exactly Bariga Waterfront is located, the local government it falls under, and how you can get there from different parts of Lagos without spending too much money on transport.
Bariga Waterfront is situated in the Bariga Local Council Development Area (LCDA), which is traditionally under the Shomolu Local Government Area of Lagos State. It sits right at the end of the Bariga axis, looking directly out onto the Lagos Lagoon. It is bordered by Akoka (where UNILAG is located) to the south and Gbagada to the north.
The terrain is flat and coastal, making it perfect for the multi-level jetty terminal built by the Lagos State Government. From the waterfront, you can see the Third Mainland Bridge stretching across the water. It serves as a major link between the Mainland and areas like Victoria Island, Falomo, and Ikorodu via water transport.
Getting to Bariga Waterfront is quite easy because Bariga is a very popular "bus stop" in Lagos. Here is how you can reach the waterfront from major areas:
If you are coming from Oshodi, you can enter a direct bus heading to Bariga. Tell the conductor you are dropping at "Last Bus Stop" or "Bariga Market." From there, you can take a short Keke Napep or small shuttle bus (Korope) that goes straight to the Waterfront Jetty.
Since Bariga is very close to Yaba, you can enter a bus from Yaba bus stop heading to Bariga. If you are around UNILAG, you can even take a short ride through the back streets of Akoka to link up with the Bariga road that leads to the jetty.
This is the fastest way. Instead of sitting in traffic at Ketu or Mile 12, you can go to Ikorodu Terminal (Ebute) and enter a ferry heading to Bariga Waterfront. It takes about 15 to 20 minutes to cross the water.
Transport fares in Lagos change depending on the time of day and the weather. Below is a range of what you should expect to pay to get to or from Bariga Waterfront.
| Route | Transport Mode | Fare Range (₦) |
|---|
| Bariga to Ikorodu | Ferry (Water) | ₦1,500 - ₦2,500 |
| Bariga to Ebute-Ero (CMS) | Ferry (Water) | ₦1,200 - ₦2,000 |
| Oshodi to Bariga | Danfo Bus | ₦600 - ₦900 |
| Yaba to Bariga | Keke / Small Bus | ₦300 - ₦500 |
| Obalende to Bariga | Danfo Bus | ₦800 - ₦1,200 |
If you are planning to visit the Bariga Waterfront, these are the best places to find transport:
1. Wear Your Life Jacket: If you are using the ferry service at the Waterfront, never enter the boat without a life jacket. Ensure it is buckled properly.
2. Travel Early: The jetty is very busy in the mornings (7 AM - 9 AM) and evenings (4 PM - 7 PM). If you want to avoid long queues for tickets, try to get there early.
3. Hold Small Change: When using Danfo or Keke to reach the waterfront, try to have "garri" (small denominations like ₦100 and ₦200) to avoid issues with conductors.
4. Security: The Bariga Waterfront is generally safe and has a police post nearby, but always be mindful of your pockets in the crowded market areas nearby.
It is under the Bariga Local Council Development Area (LCDA), which is part of the Shomolu Local Government Area of Lagos.
Yes, the Bariga Waterfront has a modern parking lot where travelers can park their cars for a fee before boarding a ferry.
Ferry operations usually start as early as 6:30 AM and run until about 6:00 PM or 7:00 PM in the evening.
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