The Lagos State Ferry Services (LAGFERRY) has reaffirmed the growing importance of water transportation to the state’s economy and mobility as it celebrates Ignite Lagos 3.0: Light the Waterway Initiative in 2026.

Speaking during the event, the LAGFERRY Managing Director, Abdoulbaq Ladi Balogun, described the initiative as a water tourism and lifestyle celebration designed to usher Lagosians into the new year in a unique and memorable way. Unlike conventional social events held on land, the celebration takes place on the waterways, showcasing the vast potential of Lagos’ inland waters for transportation, tourism, and economic growth.

According to Balogun, the initiative highlights the abundance of waterways across Lagos State and reinforces the agency’s role as the government body responsible for water transportation and water tourism.

He noted that the celebration also serves to reassure residents and the global community that Lagos waterways are secure, safe, and positioned as the next frontier for economic development under the leadership of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu.

Providing insight into the agency’s growth, the Managing Director disclosed that LAGFERRY commenced commercial operations on February 6, 2020. Since then, the service has transported over four million passengers across its routes and currently operates a fleet of 20 boats, reflecting increasing public confidence in water transportation.

He further explained that sustainability remains a major focus for the agency. Building on last year’s Sustainable Sailing theme, LAGFERRY is advancing sustainable operations in 2026 to ensure that water transportation remains beneficial to commuters, operators, regulators, and the environment. As part of this commitment, the agency plans to introduce electric boats into its fleet, a move expected to reduce operational costs and help keep fares affordable for daily passengers.

Beyond transportation, the celebration also highlights the tourism value of Lagos waterways. Balogun revealed that activities during the last December period recorded nearly ten times the usual number of trips, indicating growing interest among Lagosians in recreational water travel. He noted that access to beaches and waterfront destinations largely depends on boats, positioning LAGFERRY as a critical connector for leisure and tourism activities across the state.

Reacting to public reception, he stated that Lagosians’ response to water transportation has increased geometrically since operations began. With about one-third of Lagos landmass covered by water and 16 out of the 20 local governments having access to waterways, water transport has become a practical alternative for daily commuting. Many residents, he said, now park their cars at jetties and terminals and travel by ferry to different parts of the state.

The Managing Director emphasized that water transportation offers multiple benefits, including improved travel time, reduced stress, better health outcomes, and enhanced productivity.

He described Ignite Lagos 3.0 as both a celebration and a message of appreciation to commuters and residents for embracing the waterways, while reaffirming LAGFERRY’s commitment to a sustainable and inclusive future for water transportation in Lagos State.