Passenger traffic on Lagos’s waterways has surged to nearly two million people per month, as the state government ramps up its efforts to establish water transportation as a cornerstone of its mobility and blue economy initiatives.
Oluwadamilola Emmanuel, the Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Marine and Blue Economy, stated that the rising commuter numbers indicate growing public trust in water transport. This confidence, he explained, is a result of enhanced safety protocols, infrastructure improvements, and consistent engagement with stakeholders.
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Emmanuel, who is also the General Manager of the Lagos State Water Authority (LASWA), made these remarks during a meeting with executive members of the Shipping Correspondents Association of Nigeria (SCAN).
He highlighted that monthly ridership now fluctuates between 1.5 million and two million passengers, which emphasizes the increasing role of waterways as a viable alternative to the city’s notoriously congested roads.
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The government is currently executing a five-year strategic plan to revolutionize water transport. This plan includes introducing electric ferries, dredging approximately 140 kilometers of inland waterways, and constructing modern ferry terminals.
According to Emmanuel, this initiative aims not only to alleviate road traffic but also to stimulate economic growth within Lagos’s blue economy.
“The objective is to build an efficient, interconnected system that links various parts of the state,” he said. “We are also investing in developing human capacity across the entire value chain, from boat operators and captains to other key personnel, while ensuring we include those in the informal sector.”
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Emmanuel also noted that Lagos is aligning with the federal government’s clean energy goals by introducing electric ferries and investigating the possibility of converting traditional marine engines to run on Compressed Natural Gas (CNG).
While addressing concerns about fare prices, he argued that water travel provides substantial benefits, such as shorter travel times and the ability to bypass traffic jams.
To enhance connectivity, the state is creating integrated transport hubs in strategic areas like Mile 2 and Marina. These interchanges will allow for seamless transfers between water, rail, and bus services.
Regarding safety, Emmanuel reported a significant drop in incidents on the waterways, attributing the improvement to proactive enforcement, upgraded infrastructure, and ongoing dialogue with operators.
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The government is also tackling environmental issues like plastic pollution and water hyacinth overgrowth. This is being done through collaborations with environmental agencies and non-governmental organizations, with a focus on public awareness and sustainable management.
Emmanuel reiterated the state government’s dedication to continuous collaboration with all stakeholders to foster the long-term growth and viability of water transportation in Lagos.
