Commuting in Africa’s most congested megacity is about to get cheaper and cleaner as the Lagos State Government (LASG) announced the imminent introduction of electric-powered boats into the Lagos Ferry Services (LAGFERRY) fleet.
The move is designed to electrify water transportation and make it the primary choice for millions of residents.
The announcement was made by the Managing Director of LAGFERRY, Abdoulbaq Ladi-Balogun, during the agency’s third annual Ignite Lagos event, themed “Light the Waterways,” held at the Five Cowries Terminal in Ikoyi.
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The push for electric vessels comes as Lagosians increasingly swap gridlock for the open water.
Balogun revealed that LAGFERRY has transported a staggering 4.4 million passengers since its commercial relaunch on February 4, 2020.
“More Lagosians are embracing what I call the ‘Watermania Lifestyle’—choosing to leave their cars at jetties in favour of boats,” Balogun stated.
“We are recording a geometric daily increase in passenger traffic as residents find water transport a reliable, stress-free alternative to road travel.”
The agency reported its busiest festive season ever during the 2025 “Detty December” period, witnessing a tenfold increase in trips as fun-seekers utilised the waterways to reach beach houses and coastal resorts.
While the transition to electric boats is a win for the environment, the real headline for the average Lagosian is the economic benefit.
Electric boats are set to transform water transportation by significantly reducing operating overheads, as electric motors require far less maintenance and have lower “fuel” costs than traditional diesel engines.
Ladi-Balogun confirmed that the resulting savings would be passed directly to commuters through reduced fares, making water travel more affordable for low- and middle-income earners.
The initiative also supports sustainability goals, aligning with the €410 million “Omi Eko” project, which seeks to cut carbon emissions by 41,000 tonnes annually.
The Ignite Lagos event serves as a platform to reimagine the city’s 22% water landmass not just for transit, but as a hub for tourism, culture, and entertainment.
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With 16 out of 20 local governments accessible by water, the state is positioning its inland waterways as the “next frontier” for economic development.
Ladi-Balogun reassured the public that strict adherence to international safety standards remains the agency’s top priority to sustain the growing public trust.
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