The Lagos State Ferry Services (LAGFERRY) has transported 4.4 million passengers since February 2020, when it was established. The Managing Director of LAGFERRY, Mr Abdoulbaq Balogun, said this at the third edition of LAGFERRY’s “Ignite Lagos” event, tagged ‘Light the Waterways’.
Balogun also said that LAGFERRY has 20 boats in its fleet. He described the Ignite Lagos initiative as a water tourism initiative and a brand of ferry services in which LAGFERRY would welcome everyone in Lagos and usher them into the new year in its own way.
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“Social events are done everywhere on land, but this time, we are having it on the waterway, and in a way, we are demonstrating the potential of the waterway to the entire world,” he said.
“The
re is an abundance of waterways in Lagos State, and this is LAGFERRY, an agency of the Lagos State Government responsible for water tourism and transportation under the leadership of Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
“We have to showcase to the entire world that our water is safe, and the frontier for Lagos’ economy is the waterway,” he said.
The LAGFERRY boss said that Lagos residents’ positive response to waterway transport had increased.
“We should not forget that one-third of Lagos is covered by water; so, out of 20 local government areas in the state, 16 are actually connected to water,” he said.
“We are taking passengers from one part of the state to another, and this we have been doing today, every month, and on a yearly basis.
“This way, we give thanks to our clients, Lagos residents, and all commuters and tell them that waterway is good for their health and productivity. This is Ignite Lagos,” he said.
He gave an assurance that in 2026, LAGFERRY would ensure that its operations would endear everybody to it. He said the agency would ensure that commuters, operators, regulators, and other relevant stakeholders would toe the path of sustainability.
According to him, sustainability is the future of water transport in Lagos State.
“This year, we are going to introduce electric boats into our fleet. This will drastically bring down the cost of fare for passengers,” he said.
“We should not forget that there is the tourism aspect, which is part of what we are doing today.
“For example, in Detty December, we did about 10 times more than we usually do.
“It shows that Lagos residents are coming to embrace the beauty of water transportation, going to beaches, and that is where LAGFERRY is logging in,” he said.
On safety, he said there had been mishaps with LAGFERRY, but it recorded only one in 2025.
“Going back to history, we have improved in terms of safety and security on the waterway,” he said.
“In terms of security, Lagos State remains the first. Our waterway is equally secure, and our passengers are safe,” he said.
