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Governor Sanwo-Olu Launches €410 Million Omi Eko Project to Transform Lagos Waterways
Governor Sanwo-Olu Launches €410 Million Omi Eko Project to Transform Lagos Waterways
The ambitious €410 million (approximately $440 million) initiative, spearheaded by the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA), aims to revolutionise water transportation across Africa’s most populous city by introducing over 70 electric-powered ferries, upgrading jetties, and modernising waterway infrastructure.
Addressing dignitaries, government officials, development partners, and key stakeholders from the transport and maritime sectors, Governor Sanwo-Olu described the launch as “a pivotal moment” in Lagos State’s journey toward environmental stewardship and sustainable development.
“Lagos was born on water. Today, we honour the pioneers of this journey who laid the foundation upon which we build,” said Oluwadamilola Emmanuel, General Manager of LASWA, during the ceremony. “As we say in Yoruba, Omi ni iye—water is life, water is connectivity, water is the soul of Lagos.”
The Governor emphasised that the project represents a comprehensive, future-oriented blueprint for sustainable mobility that merges technology, environmental responsibility, and economic opportunity. He acknowledged the collaborative effort between the Lagos State Government, development partners, private investors, and the people of Lagos in making the project a reality.
The Omi Eko Project is financed through the Global Gateway Initiative, with significant support from international development institutions. The funding structure includes €360 million from the French Development Agency (AFD), the European Union (EU), and the European Investment Bank (EIB), with Lagos State Government providing a counterpart fund of €40 million and an additional €10 million from the private sector.
Governor Sanwo-Olu specifically acknowledged the roles of President Emmanuel Macron of France and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, commending their commitment to partnerships that drive innovation and sustainable development.
The Omi Eko Project encompasses several transformative components designed to modernise Lagos’ waterways:
Fleet Modernisation: Deployment of over 75 electric-powered ferries to replace outdated, polluting vessels, with the capacity to move 25 million passengers annually by 2030.
Infrastructure Development: Construction and rehabilitation of 25 ferry terminals equipped with charging stations, parking facilities, waiting areas, digital payment systems, and safety equipment.
Waterway Enhancement: Dredging and navigation marking of 140 kilometres across 15 priority ferry routes, addressing challenges posed by abandoned shipwrecks and invasive water hyacinth.
Smart Technology Integration: Implementation of an intelligence tracking system and the Cowry Card smart ticketing system to improve passenger convenience and reduce waiting times.
The project is designed to address multiple critical challenges facing Lagos, including chronic road congestion, carbon emissions, and the existential threat of rising sea levels. According to LASWA, the initiative will slash annual carbon emissions by 41,000 tons and reduce water travel times across key routes to under an hour.
Beyond transportation, the project envisions Lagos’ waterways as hubs for innovation, commerce, and community life. It is expected to create significant employment opportunities and stimulate economic activities along waterfront communities and tourism hubs through public-private partnerships.
The launch comes just two weeks after Lagos captured global attention by hosting Africa’s first electric powerboat race, the E1 Series, along the Five Cowries corridor. This demonstrated the state’s readiness to embrace climate-smart transport systems in alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Nigeria’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) to environmental preservation.
The project commenced in 2024 and is scheduled for completion by 2030. The phased implementation will allow for gradual transition, including opportunities for licensed banana boat operators to bid for the new Omi Buses with government support.
The choice of Five Cowries Terminal as the launch venue underscores its central role in Lagos’ intermodal transport network and the broader Lagos Urban Mobility Plan, which integrates road, rail, and water systems for seamless movement across the megacity.
As Lagos sets a benchmark for sustainable urban development in Africa, the Omi Eko Project represents more than infrastructure development—it is a vision of a cleaner, smarter, and more connected future for millions of Lagos residents.
For more coverage on waterways transportation and maritime development in Nigeria, visit www.waterwaysnews.ng