Lagos Ferry Services to introduce electric-powered boats into its fleet later this year

LAGOS State is to set begin using electric-powered boats across its Lagos Ferry Services (Lagferry)  fleet before the end of the year as part of efforts to lower transport fares and promote sustainable mobility.

In an ambitious programme aimed at reducing Nigeria's carbon footprint and meeting her climate change commitments, Lagferry plans to deploy the green vessels across the state. Hon Abdoulbaq Ladi-Balogun, the Lagferry managing director, said the introduction of electric vessels is aimed at delivering a more affordable, environmentally friendly and efficient water transport system.

He added that they will also help ease the burden of rising transportation costs and persistent traffic congestion across the state. According to Hon Ladi-Balogun, electric boats are cheaper to operate and maintain compared with conventional vessels and he noted that the reduced running costs would translate into more affordable fares for commuters.

Hon Ladi-Balogun said: “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."

Also, he highlighted the growing acceptance of water transportation among Lagos residents, noting that the service has continued to record steady growth in patronage. Hon Ladi-Balogun disclosed that since operations began on February 4, 2020, Lagferry has transported about 4.4m passengers.

Praising the development, the Lagferry boss, described the trend as the emergence of a watermania lifestyle, where commuters increasingly park their vehicles at jetties and rely on ferries for daily movement. He 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.