Lagos Waterways Passenger Traffic Rises 6.7% In Six Months

Passenger traffic on Lagos waterways increased by 6.7 per cent in the first half of 2026, with 2.5 million passenger movements recorded between January and June, according to the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA).

The figure represents an increase from the 2.3 million passenger movements recorded during the corresponding period in 2025.

LASWA attributed the growth to continued patronage of water transportation despite rising fuel costs, which have increased operational expenses for boat operators and affected fares.

The General Manager of LASWA, Oluwadamilola Emmanuel, said the sector recorded relatively modest growth during the first half of the year largely because of the impact of rising Premium Motor Spirit prices on transportation costs.

Emmanuel, however, expressed optimism about the outlook for water transportation in the state, particularly with the planned deployment of OMIBUS electric-powered boats by the Lagos State Government.

According to him, the electric-powered boats are expected to lower operators’ running costs and create room for more affordable fares for commuters.

He said the initiative would also support the government’s efforts to promote cleaner and more sustainable transportation while reducing the impact of fuel price increases on waterway operations.

LASWA projected that passenger movements on Lagos waterways could reach about five million by the end of 2026, following the 2.5 million movements recorded in the first six months.

Monthly passenger figures showed that 419,483 commuters used the waterways in January 2026, compared with 390,237 in January 2025.

Patronage declined in February to 299,065, against 325,419 recorded in the same month of the previous year.

The figure, however, rebounded in March and April, rising to 421,061 and 430,910 respectively, compared with 385,683 and 397,926 recorded in the corresponding months of 2025.

Passenger movements increased further in May and June to 451,308 and 467,854 respectively. June recorded the highest monthly passenger traffic during the six-month period.

In comparison, the waterways recorded 408,751 passenger movements in May 2025 and 418,564 in June of the same year.

The passenger statistics also showed increased patronage among both male and female commuters.

Female passengers accounted for 995,763 movements in the first half of 2026, compared with 930,632 recorded in the corresponding period of 2025.

Male passengers accounted for 1,493,645 movements, up from 1,395,948 recorded during the same period in 2025.

LASWA said continued investment in waterways infrastructure, safety and service delivery would be critical to sustaining the growth of the sector.

The authority added that existing operators were adopting innovative measures to improve their services, address operational challenges and enhance the overall experience of commuters.

It expressed optimism that lower operating costs, improved infrastructure and better services would make water transportation a more attractive alternative for residents travelling within Lagos and neighbouring areas.