By: Kareem Malik.

The Lagos State Ministry of Transportation has unveiled the Lekki Water Taxi Initiative in a major push to expand water transportation and reduce persistent traffic congestion across the state.

The initiative was officially announced on May 12, 2026, during the 2026 Ministerial Press Briefing, where the Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, described the project as a strategic pillar of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu’s multimodal transport agenda.

According to the state government, the Lekki Water Taxi service will introduce high-speed ferry operations across key waterways linking Lekki and adjoining waterfront communities, offering residents an alternative means of transportation amid growing pressure on major roads.

The initiative will also involve the upgrade and modernisation of existing ferry terminals, while integrating the service into the state’s Cowry Card payment system to allow commuters seamless access across rail, bus and ferry transport networks.

Officials said the project builds on recent improvements recorded in Lagos’ water transportation sector, which now handles close to two million passengers monthly through expanded ferry routes and enhanced marine safety measures.

The government noted that the sector has witnessed increased investment in safety infrastructure, including wider distribution of life jackets and the deployment of the OMI-EKO electric ferry as part of efforts to promote cleaner and environmentally sustainable transportation.

Osiyemi stated that the latest investments were gradually positioning water transport as a safer, more reliable and efficient alternative to road travel within the state.

He explained that the initiative aligns with broader sustainability and urban mobility goals being pursued by the Sanwo-Olu administration through the adoption of electric-powered ferries and modern transport technologies.

The commissioner added that the water taxi project would complement ongoing rail infrastructure developments, including the Lagos Blue Line and Lagos Red Line rail projects.

According to the state government, the Lekki Water Taxi forms part of the broader THEMES+ Agenda aimed at building a safe, integrated and affordable transportation network across Lagos.

Authorities also disclosed that additional technology-driven initiatives, including the E-Call Up system for trucks and Automatic Number Plate Recognition cameras, are being deployed to improve traffic management and operational efficiency.

The government believes the new water taxi service will significantly improve connectivity between commercial districts and waterfront communities while easing pressure on heavily congested roads within the Lekki axis and other parts of the state.

Officials further expressed optimism that the project would stimulate business activities, support economic growth and encourage more residents to embrace water transportation as a practical commuting option in Africa’s largest city.