Lagos to boosts blue economy with electric ferries, dredge140 kilometres inland waterways

PHOTO: Special Adviser to the Governor of Lagos State on Marine and Blue Economy, Oluwadamilola Emmanuel (middle), flanked by the President, Shipping Correspondents’ Association of Nigeria (SCAN), Moses Ebosele ((third right), and other members of the association’s 2026 SCAN Dockworkers’ Day organising committee during their courtesy visit to the Lagos State Waterways Authority.

By Temitope Adebiyi

THE Lagos State Government is set to transform the water transportation sector to international standard by dredging 140 kilometers inland waterways in the state

A five-year mobility programme comprising the deployment of electric ferries, expansion of inland waterways and seamless integration with road and rail systems is underway to boost the water transportation sector in the state.

This was disclosed by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Marine and Blue Economy, Oluwadamilola Emmanuel.

Emmanuel, who is also the General Manager of Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA), stated this while hosting members of the Shipping Correspondent Association of Nigeria (SCAN), led by its President, Moses Ebosele.

He explained that the initiative would include dredging about 140 kilometres of inland waterways, upgrading terminals, and strengthening operational capacity across the sector.

Noting that it was Lagos’ first time of attracting large-scale investment dedicated solely to water transport, Emmanuel said the project is designed to provide commuters with viable transportation alternatives and reduce road traffic congestion in the state.

According to him, “the goal is to build an efficient, interconnected system linking the eastern, western and central parts of Lagos,” and the government will prioritise training across the value chain, comprising boat operators, captains, deckhands and regulatory agencies, while ensuring that the informal sector is not excluded.

Meanwhile, Emmanuel listed the transition to cleaner energy as a key highlight of the initiative, stating that pilot schemes for electric ferries have recorded success, while efforts were 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, though it offers commuters shorter travel times and relief from traffic congestion.

To enhance connectivity, however, he disclosed that the state was developing two major transport interchanges – at Mile 2 and Marina – where water, rail and bus services will converge for seamless mobility.

In the meantime, he estimated current monthly passenger traffic at between 1.5 million and two million users, while waterway safety has improved significantly, with proactive measures, infrastructure investment and sustained engagement with operators ensuring a decline in accidents.

On environmental sustainability, Emmanuel disclosed ongoing efforts to tackle marine pollution, particularly plastic waste, through collaboration with environmental agencies and non-governmental organisations, as well as the initiatives to manage water hyacinth by converting it into useful products such as craft materials and manure.

He further reaffirmed the government’s commitment to stakeholder engagement to ensure the sector’s long-term sustainability, saying the initiative aligns with broader efforts to unlock Lagos’ blue economy potential.

Earlier, Ebosele had urged LASWA to deepen collaboration with the media, stressing that such partnerships would enhance public awareness and promote greater engagement, especially among rural communities.