The Lagos State Government plans to add electric-powered boats to the Lagos Ferry Services (LAGFERRY) fleet this year. This change aims to provide more sustainable and cost-effective public transportation in Lagos, the commercial capital. The Managing Director of LAGFERRY, Hon. Abdoulbaq Ladi-Balogun, announced this at the agency’s third annual Ignite Lagos event, titled “Light the Waterways,” held at the Five Cowries Terminal in Ikoyi.
For a city where traffic jams are common and fuel prices have risen, this announcement brings both environmental and economic benefits. The main reason for this switch is affordability. Rising fuel costs have made water transport more expensive for everyday commuters. Hon. Ladi-Balogun stated that electric boats are not only cleaner but also cheaper to operate.
“The lower operating and maintenance costs associated with electric vessels would enable LAGFERRY to significantly reduce fares for daily commuters,” Balogun explained.
The government wants to replace petrol engines with electric motors in transportation. Electric motors need less servicing and run on cheaper battery power. This change aims to lower passenger costs. It is an important step for a large city like Lagos, which struggles with traffic and rising travel expenses.
More People are Choosing the Water Over the Road
More people in Lagos are choosing water transport over cars. This trend is reflected in new data from LAGFERRY, which shows it has carried 4.4 million passengers since it started full operations on February 4, 2020. Ladi-Balogun describes this trend as the “Watermania Lifestyle.”
“More Lagosians are increasingly embracing water transportation… with commuters choosing to leave their cars at jetties and terminals in favor of boats to navigate the city,” he said. This shift was clear during the busy festive season of “Detty December” in 2025. While the roads were crowded, the waterways were busy. LAGFERRY saw 10 times as many trips as in previous years as residents used ferries to reach beaches and resorts.
The Bigger Picture
Introducing electric boats is a key part of Lagos’s “multi-modal” transport plan. With the Blue Line Rail already carrying thousands of passengers daily, adding a quiet, zero-emission ferry fleet will make it easier for commuters traveling between the Mainland and the Island.
The “Ignite Lagos” event was more than just a celebration; it showed the city’s commitment to changing transport. The Lagos waterways are becoming a main route for a smarter, cleaner, and more efficient Lagos. As the state gets ready to launch these electric boats later this year, the message for commuters is clear: the future of transport will be faster, quieter, greener, and hopefully, more affordable.
