Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
Lagos, Nigeria — The Lagos State Government has announced plans to deploy electric‑powered boats within the Lagos Ferry Services (LAGFERRY) fleet in 2026, in a major push to modernise water transport, reduce commuting costs and advance a greener, more sustainable public transport system. The initiative comes as part of broader efforts to ease traffic congestion, lower operating costs and make ferry travel more affordable for daily commuters across the sprawling metropolis.
According to the Managing Director of LAGFERRY, Hon. Abdoulbaq Ladi Balogun, the state will introduce electric boats into service this year because of their lower operating and maintenance costs. These savings are expected to translate into reduced ferry fares for passengers who increasingly use water transport to avoid gridlocked roads in Lagos. Balogun made the disclosure during the annual Ignite Lagos water transport event, where he highlighted the rising popularity of ferry travel among residents.
“With one‑third of Lagos covered by water and with waterways connecting most local government areas, electric boats provide a cleaner, cheaper and more efficient alternative to traditional road transport,” Balogun said, emphasising that the state’s waterways economy has experienced rapid growth since formal operations began, as many residents adopt what has been described locally as a “watermania lifestyle.”
The move aligns with the state’s existing Omi Eko Project, a €410 million sustainable inland waterways initiative designed to transform Lagos’ lagoon network into a structured public transport system. Launched in late 2025, the project includes the procurement of high‑capacity electric ferries, the dredging and channelisation of priority routes, and the expansion of terminals and jetties — all aimed at improving transport options while reducing congestion and environmental impact. Once operational, the new fleet and supporting infrastructure are expected to carry millions of passengers annually, bolster intermodal connectivity and offer seamless links with other transit systems across the city.
The focus on electric vessels reflects a broader push by Lagos authorities to adopt eco‑friendly mobility solutions that cut carbon emissions and operating costs. Electric boats require less fuel and produce lower greenhouse gas emissions than conventional diesel‑powered vessels, supporting the state’s climate resilience strategies and enhancing public health outcomes along densely populated waterways.
By reducing the cost burden on ferry operators through energy‑efficient technology, the state government anticipates that commuters will benefit from significantly lower fares, making water transport a more attractive daily choice for workers, students and other travellers. Ports and jetties across Lagos — including busy terminals at Falomo, Ikoyi and Marina — are expected to serve as hubs for the expanded fleet, with improved safety measures and passenger facilities integrated into the long‑term plan.
Transport analysts say this shift could reshape mobility patterns in Africa’s largest city, where road congestion has long hindered economic productivity and quality of life. With the addition of electric boats to the Lagos Ferry Services, residents could see practical relief from traffic delays and costly road transport alternatives, particularly during peak commuter hours.
The state government’s electrification plan for its waterways comes at a time when global cities are increasingly embracing electric and low‑carbon transport technologies. Stakeholders expect that Lagos’ initiative may serve as a model for other coastal megacities in Africa facing similar transportation and environmental challenges.
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