FIC Report (Lagos State) – Lagos State is set to bring in electric-powered boats as more residents turn to water transport to move around the city, the Managing Director of Lagferry, Abdoulbaq Ladi Balogun, has said.
Balogun disclosed this on January 11, 2026, while speaking at the third edition of the Ignite Lagos event. He said the number of passengers using Lagferry services has continued to grow since operations began in 2019, as many Lagosians now prefer boats to avoid road traffic.
According to him, more residents are leaving their cars at jetties and travelling by water to different parts of the state. He noted that with a large part of Lagos covered by water, boat services can easily connect most local government areas.
Balogun also announced that the state would introduce electric boats into its fleet this year. He explained that these boats are cheaper to run and would help reduce transport fares for daily commuters. He added that the move would also support environmental protection and help ease congestion on Lagos roads.
The Lagferry boss further revealed that the festive season known as Detty December recorded a sharp rise in boat trips, making it one of the busiest periods for water transport in the state.
Meanwhile, the Federal Government has urged all state governments to stop using wooden boats for commercial transport on waterways. The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, made this call following recent boat accidents that claimed many lives.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser, Dr Bolaji Akinola, the minister said most waterway accidents are caused by the continued use of old and unsafe wooden boats, as well as poor safety practices. He explained that these boats easily develop cracks, leakages and can break apart, especially when overloaded or used in rough weather.
Oyetola said safer alternatives such as fibre and aluminium boats should be adopted because they are stronger, more stable and last longer. He described the frequent boat accidents as painful and unacceptable.
The minister also reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to improving safety on Nigeria’s waterways. He revealed that 35,000 life jackets were distributed to riverine communities in 2025 to help protect passengers and reduce the risk of death during boat accidents.
Signed
Gloria Dawodu
CI&PRO
FIC Lagos