The Managing Director of Lagos State Ferry Services ( LAGFERRY), Abdoulbaq Ladi Balogun, has said there is a significant rise in passenger traffic on Lagos waterways, describing the growth as geometric since the commencement of the agency’s commercial operations in 2019.
Balogun made this known while speaking with journalists at the third annual Ignite Lagos event themed “Light the Waterways”, where he highlighted what he described as a changing transportation culture among Lagos residents.
According to him, more Lagosians are increasingly embracing water transportation, a trend he referred to as the “Watermania lifestyle,” with commuters opting to leave their cars at jetties and terminals in favour of boats to navigate the city.
“With one-third of Lagos covered by water, 16 out of our 20 local government areas can be connected through waterways,” Balogun said, noting that the shift reflects growing confidence in water transport as a viable alternative to road travel.
He also disclosed that Lagos State is set to introduce electric boats into the LAGFERRY fleet within the year, describing the move as a major step toward affordability and sustainability in public transportation.
Balogun explained that the lower operating costs associated with electric vessels would enable the agency to significantly reduce fares for daily commuters, adding that the transition is not only an environmental decision but an economic necessity for a city battling congestion.
The LAGFERRY boss further revealed that the agency recorded its busiest festive season to date, with the 2025 “Detty December” period witnessing a tenfold increase in trips compared to previous years.
He attributed the surge largely to leisure travel, as residents increasingly used waterways to access beach houses and coastal resorts, while stressing that the sector’s growth has been driven by strict adherence to safety and security standards to build public trust.
