Lagos to introduce electric boats to ferry fleet

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The Lagos State Government plans to introduce electric-powered boats into the Lagos Ferry Services (LAGFERRY) fleet before the year ends, in a bid to reduce transport costs and advance environmentally sustainable mobility.

This was disclosed by the Managing Director of LAGFERRY, Abdoulbaq Ladi-Balogun, in a statement posted on the Lagos State Government’s official X account on Wednesday.

He explained that the deployment of electric boats is intended to provide a cheaper, cleaner, and more efficient water transportation option, while also helping to mitigate the impact of rising transport expenses and chronic traffic congestion across the state.

Ladi-Balogun explained that electric boats are cheaper to operate and maintain compared to conventional vessels, noting that the reduced running costs would translate into more affordable fares for commuters.

He described the initiative as both an economic necessity and an environmentally responsible step in line with the state government’s broader transport and climate objectives.

“The Lagos State Government is planning to introduce electric-powered boats into the LAGFERRY fleet within the year, as part of its commitment to providing affordable, sustainable and eco-friendly public transportation for residents,” the statement said.

The LAGFERRY boss also highlighted the growing acceptance of water transportation among Lagos residents, noting that the service has continued to record steady growth in patronage.

He disclosed that since operations began on February 4, 2020, LAGFERRY has transported about 4.4 million passengers, a trend he described as the emergence of a “Watermania lifestyle,” where commuters increasingly park their vehicles at jetties and rely on ferries for daily movement.

Ladi-Balogun further revealed that the service experienced a surge in demand during the 2025 Detty December festivities, with the number of daily trips increasing tenfold as residents and visitors used ferries to access beach houses and coastal resorts across Lagos.