Lagos–Abidjan Coastal Ferry: A Project with Regional Logistics Ambitions

According to recent statements attributed by the local press to Ghanaian Minister of Transport Joseph Bukari Nikpe, a maritime consulting firm has been appointed to accelerate the development of a coastal ferry service along the Lagos–Abidjan maritime corridor.

This initiative aims to strengthen regional logistics integration and provide viable alternatives to the growing congestion of road transport on one of West Africa’s most strategic corridors.

Unveiled in November 2025 by President John Dramani Mahama, the future service will facilitate the cross-border transport of goods, passengers, and vehicles between major coastal cities in the region, including Lagos, Cotonou, Lomé, Accra, and Abidjan. The service is expected to operate with low-emission RoPax vessels.

The project will also involve investments in the construction or modernization of dedicated terminals at certain ports, as well as the implementation of a digital maritime traffic management system. According to several local media outlets, trial operations are expected to begin in 2026.