Lagos State government has announced an ambitious plan to transform water transportation in the state through the deployment of electric ferries, expansion of inland waterways, and seamless integration with road and rail systems under a five-year mobility programme.
The
Special Adviser to the Governor on Marine and Blue Economy, Mr. Oluwadamilola
Emmanuel, disclosed this while hosting members of the Shipping Correspondent
Association of Nigeria (SCAN), led by its President, Moses Ebosele, in Lagos.
Emmanuel,
who also supervises the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA), said
the initiative will include dredging about 140 kilometres of inland waterways,
upgrading terminals, and strengthening operational capacity across the sector.
He
explained that the project is designed to provide commuters with viable
alternatives to road transport and reduce traffic congestion in the state,
describing it as the first time Lagos is attracting large-scale investment
dedicated solely to water transport.
“The
goal is to build an efficient, interconnected system linking the eastern,
western, and central parts of Lagos,” he said, adding that the government will
prioritise training across the value chain, including boat operators, captains,
deckhands, and regulatory agencies, while ensuring the informal sector is not
excluded.
A key
highlight of the initiative, according to him, is the transition to cleaner
energy.
He revealed that pilot schemes for electric ferries have recorded success,
while efforts are ongoing to convert conventional engines to Compressed
Natural Gas (CNG) as an alternative energy source.
Addressing
concerns over fares, Emmanuel noted that water transport remains more expensive
than road travel due to higher operational costs, but offers commuters shorter
travel times and relief from traffic congestion.
To
enhance connectivity, he said the state is developing major transport
interchanges in locations such as Mile 2 and Marina, where water, rail, and bus
services will converge for seamless mobility.
He
added that safety on the waterways has improved significantly, with a decline
in accidents attributed to proactive measures, infrastructure investment, and
sustained engagement with operators.
Monthly
passenger traffic, he said, is currently estimated at between 1.5 million and 2
million users.
On
environmental sustainability, Emmanuel highlighted ongoing efforts to tackle
marine pollution, particularly plastic waste, through collaboration with
environmental agencies and non-governmental organisations. He also noted
initiatives to manage water hyacinth by converting it into useful products such
as craft materials and agricultural inputs.
He
reaffirmed the government’s commitment to stakeholder engagement to ensure the
long-term sustainability of the sector, noting that the initiative aligns with
broader efforts to unlock Lagos’ blue economy potential.
In his
remarks, Ebosele urged LASWA to deepen collaboration with the media, stressing
that such partnerships would enhance public awareness and promote greater
engagement, especially among rural communities.
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