By Deborah Nnamdi
The Lagos State Government has announced plans to introduce electric-powered boats into the Lagos Ferry Services (LAGFERRY) fleet within the year, aiming to reduce fares and promote sustainable, eco-friendly water transport.
LAGFERRY Managing Director Hon. Abdoulbaq Ladi-Balogun disclosed the plan in a statement on the state government’s X account on Wednesday, noting that electric vessels have lower operating and maintenance costs, enabling more affordable fares for passengers. “The initiative is both environmentally responsible and economically necessary,” he said.
Balogun highlighted the growing popularity of water transport among Lagos residents, noting that since February 2020, LAGFERRY has ferried 4.4 million passengers, a trend he described as the “Watermania Lifestyle,” where commuters leave their cars at jetties and travel by boat. During the 2025 Detty December period, ferry trips surged tenfold as residents used the waterways to reach beach houses and coastal resorts.
The move aligns with Lagos State’s broader push for sustainable, electric-powered water transport through the Omi Eko Project, a €410 million initiative launched in October 2025. Implemented by the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) with support from the EU and private partners, the project is funded through a €60 million EU grant, a €130 million loan from the French Development Agency, and a €170 million loan from the European Investment Bank.
The Omi Eko Project covers 15 ferry routes, 140 km of dredged channels, 25 terminals, charging stations, 75 electric vessels, intelligent ticketing, vessel tracking, and capacity-building programs for LASWA. Once completed, it is expected to carry 25 million passengers annually, reduce road congestion, and provide a safe, eco-friendly alternative for commuters.
