The Lagos State Government has officially launched the Omi-Bus ferry service to improve water transportation and alleviate road traffic congestion across key routes in the state.
The service began commercial operations on Friday, March 14, 2025, as announced by Oluwadamilola Emmanuel, the General Manager of the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA).
The new ferry service is designed to provide commuters with a safe, reliable, and efficient alternative to the city’s busy roads.
The Omi-Bus ferry service will operate along several key routes, including Ikorodu to Falomo, Falomo to Apapa, Badore to Falomo, and CMS.
According to Emmanuel, the introduction of the Omi-Bus ferry is a significant milestone in Lagos’ broader strategy to create a multimodal transportation system.
He emphasised that water transport is an effective solution to ease urban mobility challenges in the state.
The locally built Omi-Bus ferries meet global safety standards and are operated by a trained crew.
Each vessel is equipped with life jackets, emergency response systems, onboard security, and free WiFi to ensure passenger safety and comfort.
Additionally, the service integrates digital ticketing through Cowry cards, real-time tracking, and dedicated customer support to enhance the user experience.
The Omi-Bus ferry service is part of LASWA’s broader initiative to modernise water transport in Lagos.
The new vessels, which can accommodate up to 40 passengers, are replacing smaller banana boats that currently carry just 17 passengers. This shift to larger, more efficient vessels is in line with the state’s vision to improve operational efficiency and meet growing commuter demand.
In an interview from December 2024, LASWA official Dayo Ibrahim explained that the phase-out of banana boats would be gradual, with operators being given opportunities to bid for Omi-Bus vessels and receive government support.
This transition is designed to modernise the water transport system while ensuring that operators can adapt to the new system.
With the Omi-Bus ferry now in operation, LASWA hopes to provide Lagos residents with a reliable, modern, and sustainable alternative to traditional road transportation.
