The Lagos State Ferry Services (LAGFERRY) will soon introduce the Eko Water Taxi on the Lekki–Epe corridor to ease traffic congestion and reduce commuting challenges for residents and businesses.
The Managing Director of LAGFERRY, Dr. Abdoulbaq Balogun, disclosed this at the organisation’s strategic management retreat on Saturday in Epe, Lagos State.
The retreat was themed “Sustainable Water Transportation and Lagos Transport Policy.”
Balogun said there are plans to introduce electric boats and expand cargo movement across Lekki, Apapa, Ikorodu, Epe, and Badagry.
According to him, this will reduce pressure on roads while boosting the contribution of sustainable transport to Lagos State’s economy.
Speaking on the Lagos State Transport Policy launched three years ago, he noted that it covers all modes of transport and focuses on effective implementation and improved operational efficiency, especially within the water transport sub-sector.
“This retreat will strengthen human capacity by equipping personnel with the skills and knowledge to drive sustainable transport development and support the long-term growth of Lagos State’s water transport system.
“Attention is on the blue economist ecosystem, sustaining progress over the past six years through environmental management, reduced emissions, improved safety, and encouraging water transport as a daily lifestyle choice,” he said.
Balogun praised Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu for making boat captains public servants and for securing lasting gains in water transport, including approval for the construction of the LAGFERRY headquarters at its Mile 2 Terminal.
Dr. George Banjo, Managing Director of Transport and Development Consultants Partners Ltd., expressed optimism that participants would gain deeper knowledge of the Lagos Transport Policy.
According to Banjo, the policy is designed to guide LAGFERRY’s operations.
“Many policies often end up on shelves without proper execution. However, after approving the transport policy, the state Ministry of Transportation took a decisive step by appointing capable personnel to drive its implementation.
“This singular action has yielded significant results, leading to notable achievements and improved progress in putting the policy into effect,” he said.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Transportation, Mr. Olawale Musa, said the three-day retreat was aimed at reflection, strategy development, and alignment toward making waterways central to Lagos State’s integrated transport system.
Musa was represented by Mr. Aderounmu Agbomeji, Director of Transport Policy and Coordination in the ministry.
He noted that Lagos is rich in waterways, transforming inland transport into a reliable and eco-friendly system aligned with the state’s THEMES PLUS Agenda, which prioritises efficient mobility and improved traffic management.
“Sustainable water transport reduces congestion, emissions, and travel time, while improving safety and quality of life and supporting a seamless multi-modal system connecting water, road, and rail networks.
“Key focus areas include green technology, fleet modernisation, strict safety standards, and integration with broader transport systems to ensure efficiency, reliability, and increased passenger capacity.
“Affordability, inclusiveness, innovation, and private sector participation remain vital.
“This retreat seeks actionable outcomes, stronger collaboration, and renewed commitment to advancing Lagos State’s sustainable water transportation vision,” he said.
