Lagos, Nigeria’s bustling economic hub, is planning to expand its waterway transport system to reduce the city’s infamous traffic congestion. With a €410 million investment from France’s AFD development agency and the European Union, the Lagos State Waterways Authority is set to introduce a fleet of electric-powered ferries under the “Omi Eko” initiative, which will increase the number of commuters traveling by boat.
This expansion aims to connect 15 ferry routes and deploy more than 75 electric vessels, reducing the city’s reliance on overburdened roadways. Commuters like Ivy Junaid, who previously endured hours-long traffic jams, now enjoy shorter, stress-free journeys across the Lagos Lagoon. “It’s a life-saving situation for most of us,” Junaid said, describing her 30-minute boat commute as a game-changer.
Lagos authorities are also focusing on sustainable infrastructure, with solar-powered charging stations for electric ferries. The goal is to increase boat passengers from 2% to 10% of the city’s total commuters, easing pressure on road traffic while contributing to lower carbon emissions.