The Lagos State Government has announced plans to tackle road traffic congestion, which has forced millions of residents to endure hours of commuting. This ongoing gridlock has significantly hindered productivity and diminished residents’ quality of life.
According to the Managing Director of the Lagos State Ferry Services (LAGFerry), Mr. Ladi Balogun, water taxis will be launched before the end of 2025. Dredging is already underway on key routes to prepare for full-scale operations across the state’s inland waterways.
Balogun made this disclosure during a press conference held at the Falomo Jetty on Tuesday,28th April 2025, as the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported.
He said the initiative is in line with the state’s THEMES+ agenda, which prioritises sustainable transportation, infrastructure development, and carbon emissions reduction.
Balogun revealed that preparatory works such as dredging and sterilisation of selected water routes are currently underway to enable the rollout.
“The Lagos State Government has announced plans to introduce water taxis as part of efforts to ease traffic congestion and boost productivity through enhanced transportation on the state’s waterways,” the NAN report read in part.
It further quoted Balogun as saying, “Some areas need to be dredged before we can begin full operations. If we cannot launch by the second quarter, we are confident it will happen before the end of the year.”
He explained that the water taxi service will feature designated ‘water stops’—boarding points similar to land-based bus stops to improve accessibility and route management.
According to him, the state aims to maximise its water resources in light of the mounting pressure on its road infrastructure.
Balogun acknowledged that safety concerns remain a major reason many commuters hesitate to embrace water transport. However, he emphasised that strict safety protocols are in place, including the mandatory use of life jackets and specialised training for operators.
Despite water travel’s benefits, which are safe, healthy, and efficient, many still opt for traffic-prone roads due to lingering fears. To address this, a demonstration sail was organised to boost public confidence, helping passengers feel more at ease once on board.
The NAN report highlighted that since LAGFerry began commercial operations in February 2020, it has transported over three million passengers across Lagos waterways. Balogun noted that the service started with just four boats when Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu assumed office in 2019, a number that has since grown through sustained government investment.
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He added that several new jetties and terminals, some under construction and others nearing completion, are expected to be commissioned in the coming months to expand the state’s water transport network further.
The government must prioritise maritime tourism and water transportation to strengthen the state’s thriving economy. Over time, residents have struggled with persistent gridlock, but water transportation offers an effective alternative to Lagos’ heavily congested road systems, helping commuters save time and avoid stress.
Maritime tourism and water transport drive economic growth by creating jobs within the marine sector, boosting local businesses, and attracting tourists. Additionally, water transport is energy-efficient and environmentally friendly, contributing to a reduction in carbon emissions compared to road transport.
The waterways connect different parts of Lagos and neighbouring regions, improving accessibility and promoting trade. Leveraging Lagos’ coastal location and scenic waterways can further develop maritime tourism, offering activities such as boat cruises and waterfront attractions. Moreover, travelling by water is often faster than road transport, particularly for long distances, making it a time-saving solution for residents.
