Sanwo-Olu unveils €410m Omi-Eko Project to revolutionise Lagos Waterways

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

Lagos State has taken a major leap towards modernising its water transportation system, as Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Friday officially launched the €410 million Omi-Eko Inland Waterways Infrastructure Project, funded through a partnership between the European Union (EU) and key development finance institutions.

The project, which aims to transform Lagos into a hub of clean, efficient, and integrated water mobility, will deliver 70 hybrid electric ferries, 140 kilometres of dredged and channelised ferry routes, and 25 modern ferry terminals equipped with electric charging stations and maintenance depots.

Lagos secured financing for the ambitious project under the EU’s Global Gateway Initiative, in collaboration with the French Development Agency (AFD) and the European Investment Bank (EIB), which approved a subsidised loan of €360 million.

Governor Sanwo-Olu described the launch as “historic,” calling it “a bold statement reaffirming Lagos’ frontline leadership in delivering a sustainable integrated water transportation ecosystem.”

He said the Omi-Eko initiative aligns with the State’s THEMES+ Agenda, which prioritises sustainable mobility, adding that the project will reduce traffic congestion, improve public health, and promote environmental sustainability.

“Every Lagosian knows the frustration of traffic. But a few will remember that Lagos began as a network of islands, knitted together by water,” Sanwo-Olu said.

“Long before bridges connected the city, boats carried dreams, goods, and people across the lagoons. This water body nourishes us, shapes the State’s identity and now, it will carry us into the future.”

According to him, the Omi-Eko Project represents a “comprehensive, future-oriented blueprint for sustainable mobility in Lagos”, merging technology, environmental stewardship, and design to tackle the challenges of urban population growth and climate change.

“The launch of this project is more than a ceremonial curtain pull. It is a covenant with our people, our planet, and with future generations,” the Governor said.

“With Omi-Eko, we are lifting not only boats but lives, businesses, and communities. We are signalling that Lagos is ready to lead Africa’s urban transition by this bold, sustainable, and inclusive investment.”

The project will also help reduce carbon emissions by 41,000 tonnes annually, while moving an estimated 25,000 passengers each year and cutting travel times by up to three hours per trip.

Special Adviser to the Governor on Blue Economy and Managing Director of the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA), Mr. Damilola Emmanuel, described the project as a transformative step for the state.

“In the first phase, there will be dredging and channelisation of 15 ferry routes for safer and faster transport. Part of the benefits include technology transfer and capacity development for key agencies in the waterways, especially LASWA,” he said.

“There will be funding for the informal boat sector under our Vessel Industry. This is how we build a water-based economy that works for all — from operators to passengers, from private investors to our citizens.”

He revealed that 20 existing jetties would be upgraded and 70 hybrid electric ferries deployed upon completion, significantly cutting emissions and driving clean mobility across the State.

French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Mr. Jean-Noel Barrot, lauded the project as a model for global cooperation, noting that it embodies the success of bilateral ties strengthened during President Bola Tinubu’s recent visit to French President Emmanuel Macron.

“The Omi-Eko project represents the best possible example of what partnership can achieve for the benefit of the people,” he said.

Also speaking, EU Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Gautier Mignot, described the initiative as a “historic milestone” for Lagos and EU member states, stressing that the investment would enhance life quality and connectivity.

“This investment supports development of 12 strategic waterways corridors to enhance secure and efficient sustainable transport networks. Four of these corridors are located in West Africa. We are proud to be part of this project which showcases all the aspects of global gateway development,” Mignot said.

Former Lagos State Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola, who established LASWA in 2008, praised Sanwo-Olu for nurturing the agency into a globally respected institution.

“The Omi-Eko project will further expand the scope of the State’s integrated transportation network,” Fashola said, expressing optimism that the project would succeed given the commitment of the European partners.

Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Seun Osiyemi, said Omi-Eko would “unlock the full potential of Lagos inland waterways” and complete the vision of a fully integrated multimodal transport system.

“Omi-Eko aligns with broader Lagos Transport Policy, which promotes sustainability, inclusivity, and innovation,” he stated.

“The project is not just about ferry operations; it is about empowering communities, creating jobs, easing congestion, and reducing our carbon footprint.”