The Lagos State Government has announced plans to introduce electric‑powered boats into the Lagos Ferry Services (LAGFERRY) fleet later this year as part of efforts to reduce transport costs for commuters and promote sustainable water transportation.
The initiative, unveiled by Hon. Abdoulbaq Ladi‑Balogun, Managing Director of LAGFERRY, was shared via an official Lagos State Government statement on social media on Wednesday. According to Balogun, the electric vessels will have lower operating and maintenance costs, enabling the agency to offer more affordable ferry fares compared with traditional fuel‑powered boats.
“Our commitment is to provide affordable, sustainable, and environmentally friendly public transportation for Lagos residents,” the statement partly read, highlighting the economic and ecological benefits of the shift to electric propulsion.
The planned transition comes as water transport continues to gain traction among residents, who increasingly use waterways to avoid road traffic. Since LAGFERRY began commercial operations in 2020, about 4.4 million passengers have been transported across the state’s waterways, a trend Balogun described as the “Watermania lifestyle.”
During the 2025 Detty December festive period, LAGFERRY recorded a tenfold increase in passenger trips as commuters and visitors used water transport to access beach and leisure destinations.
Part of a Broader Sustainable Transport Agenda
The electric boat plan aligns with Lagos State’s broader water transport modernization efforts, including the Omi Eko Project, a €410 million initiative launched in 2025 in partnership with the European Union, French Development Agency (AFD), and European Investment Bank (EIB). The project will expand waterway infrastructure, dredge key channels, build charging stations, terminals, and support up to 75 electric vessels across 15 routes.
Authorities project that once fully implemented, the revamped waterways system could carry up to 25 million passengers annually, help reduce road congestion, and provide a safe, eco‑friendly transport alternative for Lagos commuters.
The move represents a significant step in Lagos State’s push toward cleaner urban mobility, reducing emissions while improving affordability and efficiency in one of Nigeria’s busiest transport corridors.
