Lagos Plans to Add Electric Boats to Ferry Fleet to Reduce Transport Costs

The Lagos State Government has announced plans to introduce electric-powered boats into its public water transport system before the end of the year, marking a major shift toward affordable and sustainable commuting across the state.

This development will see electric vessels added to the existing fleet operated by Lagos Ferry Services (LAGFERRY), with the primary goal of reducing transport fares while also supporting environmentally responsible mobility solutions.

The announcement was made by the Managing Director of LAGFERRY, Hon. Abdoulbaq Ladi-Balogun, in an official statement published on the Lagos State Government’s verified X (formerly Twitter) account on Wednesday.

According to Ladi-Balogun, the decision to adopt electric boats aligns with the state’s commitment to improving transportation efficiency, cutting operational costs, and addressing the long-standing challenges of road congestion and rising fuel prices.

He explained that electric-powered vessels are significantly cheaper to run and maintain than conventional fuel-driven boats. These lower operating expenses, he noted, will directly benefit commuters through reduced ferry fares, making water transportation more accessible to residents.

The LAGFERRY boss described the initiative as both an economic and environmental strategy, emphasizing that it supports Lagos State’s broader transport reforms and climate action goals.

In his words, the state government is determined to provide residents with affordable, sustainable, and eco-friendly public transport options, and the introduction of electric boats is a major step toward achieving that objective.

Ladi-Balogun also pointed out that water transportation has continued to gain acceptance among Lagosians, with more residents embracing ferry travel as a reliable alternative to road transport.

He revealed that since LAGFERRY commenced full operations on February 4, 2020, the service has successfully transported approximately 4.4 million passengers, reflecting consistent growth in daily usage.

This rising patronage, he said, has given birth to what he described as a “Watermania lifestyle,” where commuters now prefer to park their vehicles at ferry terminals and complete their daily journeys via waterways.

The trend became even more evident during the 2025 Detty December celebrations, when demand for ferry services surged sharply. According to Ladi-Balogun, daily ferry trips increased by nearly ten times as residents and tourists relied heavily on water transport to access beach resorts, waterfront lounges, and coastal destinations across Lagos.

With the planned introduction of electric boats, the Lagos State Government hopes to further strengthen confidence in water transportation, reduce pressure on road networks, and deliver a cleaner, more cost-effective commuting experience for millions of residents.