The Lagos State Government has unveiled plans to launch water taxis before the end of the year, as part of efforts to expand and modernize transportation across the state’s inland waterways.
EpeInsights gathered that dredging is currently underway on key routes in preparation for full-scale operations.
This was disclosed by the Managing Director of the Lagos State Ferry Services (LAGFERRY), Mr. Ladi Balogun, during a media event titled “Waterways Experience with the Media”, held at the Falomo Jetty aboard the MV Adimu Orisa Badge.
According to Balogun, the initiative is expected to provide major traffic relief—especially for commuters along the Lekki-Epe corridor—and aligns with the state’s T.H.E.M.E.S Plus agenda, which promotes sustainable transportation, infrastructure development, and carbon emission reduction.
“We are maximizing the state’s water resources to ease the growing pressure on road infrastructure,” Balogun said, while acknowledging that safety concerns remain a key barrier to wider public adoption of water transport.
Also speaking at the event was the General Manager of the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA), Mr. Damilola Emmanuel, represented by Mr. Ibrahim Famuyiwa.
He stressed the importance of ongoing safety protocols in building public trust, revealing that over three million passengers have been transported via Lagos waterways in the last five years.
“Passenger confidence is vital. That’s why strict safety measures are constantly enforced,” said Famuyiwa.
Since the beginning of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration, Lagos has expanded its ferry fleet from just 4 to nearly 30 boats, and constructed 50 jetties across the state to support its growing water transport network.
