The Lagos State Ferry Services (LAGFERRY) said it will soon introduce the Eko water taxi on the Lekki–Epe corridor to ease traffic congestion and reduce commuting challenges for residents.

The Managing Director of LAGFERRY, Abdoulbaq Balogun, made this statement at the organisation’s strategic management retreat on Saturday in Epe, Lagos.

Mr Balogun said the agency had plans to include electric boats and expand cargo movement across Lekki, Apapa, Ikorodu, Epe, and Badagry.

According to Mr Balogun, this will reduce pressure on the road while boosting sustainable transport’s contribution to Lagos State’s economy.

On the Lagos State Transport Policy, launched three years ago, he said it covered all transport modes and focused on effective implementation and improving operational efficiency, especially within the water transport sub-sector.

“This retreat will strengthen human capacity, equipping personnel with skills and knowledge to drive sustainable transport development and supporting long-term growth of Lagos State’s water transport system.

“Attention is on the blue economy ecosystem, sustaining progress over six years through environmental management, reduced emissions, improved safety, and encouraging water transport as a daily lifestyle choice,” he said.

Mr Balogun praised Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for making boat captains public servants and for securing lasting gains in water transport, including approval for the construction of the LAGFERRY headquarters at its Mile 2 Terminal.

George Banjo, managing director of Transport and Development Consultants Partners Ltd., expressed hope that the participants would gain more knowledge of the Lagos Transport Policy.

According to Mr Banjo, the policy is intended to guide LAGFERRY’s activities.

“Many policies often end up on shelves without proper execution.

“However, after approving the transport policy, the state Ministry of Transportation took a decisive step by appointing capable personnel to drive its implementation.

“This singular action has yielded significant results, leading to notable achievements and improved progress in putting the policy into effect,” he said.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Transportation, Mr Olawale Musa, said the three-day retreat was aimed at reflection, strategy development, and alignment toward making waterways central to the integrated transport system of Lagos State.

Mr Musa was represented by Mr Aderounmu Agbomeji, director of transport policy and coordination in the ministry.

 He said that Lagos was rich in waterways, transforming inland transport into a reliable, eco-friendly system that aligned with the state’s THEMES PLUS Agenda, which prioritised efficient mobility and improved traffic management.

He said, “Sustainable water transport reduces congestion, emissions and travel time while improving safety and quality of life and supporting a seamless multi-modal system connecting water, road and rail networks.

“Key focus areas include green technology, fleet modernisation, strict safety standards, and integration with broader transport systems to ensure efficiency, reliability, and increased passenger capacity. Affordability, inclusiveness, innovation, and private sector participation remain vital.”

According to Mr Musa, the retreat seeks actionable outcomes, stronger collaborations and renewed commitment to advancing Lagos State’s sustainable water transportation vision.

(NAN)