Lagos' Waterway Transport: The Untapped Potential of Water-Based Commuting for a Smarter City

Lagos, a city surrounded by water, has the unique opportunity to harness its waterways to alleviate some of its most pressing transportation issues. With traffic congestion worsening every year and roads becoming increasingly unreliable, the Lagos State Government is now turning its attention to the city's waterways as a viable solution to its urban mobility problems.

Waterway transport has always been part of Lagos’ historical fabric, yet it has largely remained underutilized. As reported in Daily Trust on January 20, 2025, Lagos' coastal geography offers an excellent opportunity for the development of waterway transport systems that could serve as an efficient alternative to road transport. With more than 200 kilometers of waterways crisscrossing the city, the potential for water-based commuting is enormous.

The Lagos State Government has already started investing in waterway infrastructure. The Lagos Ferry Services (LAGFERRY) is a key initiative that aims to provide fast, affordable, and safe boat services across Lagos’ numerous waterways. According to an article in The Guardian Nigeria on January 18, 2025, LAGFERRY plans to expand its fleet and introduce new routes to better connect neighborhoods like Lekki, Victoria Island, and Ikorodu with the rest of the city. These routes will offer a faster and more direct commute than many road routes, which are often congested with traffic.

Moreover, waterway transport has a significant environmental upside. Compared to road vehicles, boats produce fewer emissions and are more energy-efficient, making them a cleaner option for mass transit. This is in line with Lagos’ commitment to sustainability as it strives to reduce air pollution and congestion on its roads.

Experts agree that investing in waterway transport could have a transformative impact on the city’s mobility. In a statement from the Lagos State Ministry of Transportation, the government reiterated that waterway transportation could play a key role in decongesting roads and improving the overall efficiency of the city's public transit system. Additionally, the development of the waterways would help promote tourism and boost the economy by making Lagos more accessible.

While the infrastructure is still developing, Lagosians can look forward to a future where water-based commuting is not just a novelty but a primary mode of transport. As the government expands its investments in waterway infrastructure, it’s likely that more residents will turn to the water for their daily commutes, helping to ease the pressure on road networks and make Lagos a smarter, more sustainable city.

Sources: The Guardian Nigeria (January 18, 2025) and Daily Trust (January 20, 2025)

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