The Lagos State Government is taking a bold step toward transforming its inland waterways transportation system with the planned introduction of electric boats. This initiative is part of a broader vision to modernize and make water transport more environmentally sustainable and efficient across the state.
This was revealed by the General Manager of the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA), Mr. Damilola Emmanuel, during a facility tour of Lagos State waterways assets on Monday. The tour hosted representatives from the Maritime Organisation of West and Central Africa (MOWCA) and the global ferry safety association, Interferry.
Mr. Emmanuel highlighted that the deployment of electric ferries forms a key component of the Omi-Eko Project—an ambitious programme designed to revolutionize water transport in Lagos. “Under the Omi-Eko project, we are set to introduce electric ferries in the coming years,” he stated. “The initiative includes not only electric boats but also the rehabilitation of existing jetties and terminals, consistent dredging of the waterways, and capacity building for LASWA personnel.”
Addressing the concerns of local boat operators, the LASWA boss reassured stakeholders that the new electric boats are not intended to replace the existing petrol-powered vessels. Instead, both systems will operate concurrently to complement each other. “We are not phasing out petrol boats,” he explained. “The electric ferries will work side-by-side with the existing boats. That is why we have encouraged informal sector players to form cooperatives. Doing so will make it easier for the government to support and integrate them into the evolving system.”
In addition to the electrification project, LASWA is intensifying its focus on safety and international collaboration. On the sidelines of the facility tour, Mr. Emmanuel also received members of the Transportation Correspondents Association of Nigeria (TCAN), where he reiterated the authority’s dedication to improving safety standards on Lagos waterways.
“We’ve made significant strides in achieving safety across our inland waterways,” Emmanuel noted. “However, as operations grow and evolve, continuous improvement is essential. Collaborating with international bodies such as Interferry allows us to benefit from global best practices and expert knowledge in ferry operations and safety.”
The visit marked Interferry’s first official mission to West Africa. Speaking during the tour, Interferry’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Mike Corrigan, expressed enthusiasm about partnering with LASWA. He noted that the visit included a team of 12 international safety experts covering areas such as vessel navigation, life-saving techniques, and operational safety.
“Our goal is to share our extensive experience with LASWA to help elevate their safety practices,” Corrigan said. “Interferry is a global trade association with nearly 300 members worldwide, representing the interests of the ferry industry across Europe, America, Asia, and now, Africa. LASWA is now officially a member of Interferry, and Lagos is currently the only African city we’re actively engaged with.”
Mr. Corrigan further revealed that this was Interferry’s third ferry safety conference and expressed optimism about hosting more such events on the continent. “We are looking forward to returning to Africa more frequently to support the growth and improvement of water transport systems across the region,” he said.
With the planned introduction of electric ferries and enhanced international collaborations, Lagos is positioning itself as a regional leader in sustainable and safe water transportation.