Another blow for Adama Bictogo's empire. The Société de Transport Lagunaire (STL) , one of the pillars of the Snedai group, has been forced to cease operations following intervention by the General Directorate of Taxes (DGI). The cause: significant unpaid tax arrears .

A setback for a key player in mobility

This isn't the first time STL has been in trouble. Already strained by a tax audit at the end of 2025 and restructuring at the beginning of 2025, the company now finds itself at an impasse. Although the exact amount of the debt remains confidential, the sanction is immediate: tax officials have closed the offices and stations .

This decision directly impacts the daily lives of Abidjan residents:

1. 20,000 passengers transported each day.
2. A fleet of 20 air-conditioned water buses is out of service.
3. 6 strategic stations (Treichville, Cocody, Plateau, Abobo-Doumé) closed.

A delicate political and economic timing

This crisis comes as Adama Bictogo recently stepped down as President of the National Assembly, replaced by Patrick Achi. Although he officially delegated the management of his companies to his relatives (notably his daughter Lisa Bictogo) as early as 2022, this tax setback tarnishes the image of the Snedai group.

Key figures for the STL

Indicator	Data
Daily passengers	16,000 to 20,000
Staff	~400 employees
Initial investment	7.6 billion FCFA (via BACI and Ecobank)
Urban tariffs	200 to 500 FCFA

What are the consequences for users?

A pioneer in modern river transport, STL offered a breath of fresh air in the face of Abidjan's traffic congestion. In addition to commuting, the company had diversified into lagoon tourism (cruises and excursions to Boulay Island).

Uncertainty now hangs over the duration of this closure. Is it a brief suspension like the one in 2025, or a sign of deeper structural difficulties? For the time being, neither STL management nor the DGI has issued an official statement, leaving thousands of workers and 400 employees in limbo.