The Lagos State Government is set to overhaul water transportation with electric ferries and expanded inland waterways under a five-year mobility plan, according to the Special Adviser to the Governor on Marine and Blue Economy.
Mr Oluwadamilola Emmanuel, who also serves as General Manager of the Lagos State Waterways Authority, disclosed the plan during a meeting with shipping correspondents on April 23.
“The goal is to build an efficient, interconnected system linking the eastern, western, and central parts of Lagos,” Emmanuel said, adding that the government will prioritise training for operators and regulators.
The plan includes dredging approximately 140 kilometres of inland waterways, upgrading terminals, and strengthening operational capacity across the sector.
Major transport hubs are being developed at Mile 2 and Marina to connect water, rail and bus services for seamless movement.
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Pilot electric ferry operations have already shown positive results, while work is ongoing to transition existing boats from conventional engines to Compressed Natural Gas as part of a cleaner energy drive.
Emmanuel acknowledged that water transport remains more expensive than road travel but said it offers faster journeys and relief from heavy traffic.
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Lagos currently records between 1.5 million and 2 million passenger trips monthly on its waterways, with a drop in accidents due to better infrastructure and regulation.
Efforts to tackle marine pollution, especially plastic waste, are being pursued through partnerships with environmental agencies and non-governmental organisations.
The Shipping Correspondent Association of Nigeria called for stronger collaboration between LASWA and the media to deepen public awareness, especially in rural communities.
