Last year, a total of 21,887,738 individuals traveled via the waterways in Lagos State, marking a significant 55.2% increase compared to the 2021 figure of 14,105,816.
This data, provided by the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA), illustrates a consistent growth trend in waterway commuting within Lagos over the past decade.
Lagos waterway commuter numbers soar over a decade
Breaking down the ridership figures, it becomes evident that from 2013 to 2023, there has been a continuous rise in the number of commuters opting for water-based transportation.
In 2013, the count stood at 9,978,546 passengers, while in 2023, it surged to 21,887,738.
Further analysis reveals that in 2014, there were 10,345,281 waterway travelers, and the number increased to 11,067,756 in 2015.
The trend continued with 11,851,837 riders in 2016 and a further increase to 13,787,624 in 2017.
The only decline in this pattern occurred in 2018 when 11,984,930 individuals used the waterways.
However, the system rebounded in 2019, recording 14,131,786 passengers. Despite a minor dip to 14,105,816 in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the figures indicate a growing acceptance of water-based transportation in Lagos, even amid concerns about boat accidents nationwide.