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| Photo shows L-R: Head of the EU Delegation to Nigeria, Ambassador Gautier Mignot; European delegate; Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Mr. Jean-Noël Barrot; Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu and former Governor of the State, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, SAN; Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Oluwaseun Osiyemi and the General Manager, Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA), Mr. Damilola Emmanuel and the SSG, Barr. ‘Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin during the official launch of the Lagos State Waterways Authority, LASWA “Omi Eko project” at the Five Cowries Terminal in Falomo, Ikoyi, Lagos |
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu unveiled the €410 million EU-backed Omi-Eko project on October 17, 2025, marking a significant leap in Lagos State’s inland waterways transportation.
The ambitious initiative is set to transform water transport by introducing 70 hybrid electric ferries, establishing 140 kilometers of ferry routes, and constructing 25 state-of-the-art terminals across the city.
The Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) will oversee the project’s execution, with the plan split into two phases, the final phase scheduled for completion by 2030. LASWA’s leadership emphasized Lagos’s readiness to fully embrace a water-based economy, which promises to relieve congestion and revolutionize urban mobility for millions.
Omi-Eko moves beyond planning into tangible progress, positioning Lagos as a pioneer in sustainable and efficient water transport solutions.
A press release signed by Gboyega Akosile, special adviser, media and publicity to the governor, disclosed that Lagos secured the funding for the project via the Global Gateway Initiative, the French Development Agency (AFD), the European Union (EU) and the European Investment Bank (EIB), which earmarked a subsidized loan of EUR 360 million for the project.
The first component of the project, the press release said, covers channelisation, marking and dredging of 140km of ferry routes from which Lagos will be developing 15 priority ferry routes, including constructing high-quality infrastructure and facilities.
“The entire Inland Waterways Transport infrastructure comprises 25 ferry terminals and jetties with electric charging facilities to power e-vessels. There will be onshore depots for routine vessel maintenance, while land connections, including road surfacing, will be developed for other transport services connecting to ferry terminals,” the statement added.
Sanwo-Olu, thus, described the Omi-Eko launch as “historic”, noting that the event was not just an unveiling ceremony but a “bold statement” reaffirming Lagos’ frontline leadership in delivering a sustainable integrated water transportation ecosystem.
The Governor, according to the release, said exploring the full range of waterways transportation was a critical priority in his administration’s THEMES+ Agenda to transform mobility in the metropolis.
“Every Lagosian knows the frustration of traffic. But a few will remember that Lagos began as a network of islands, knitted together by water. Long before bridges connected 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,” the governor said.
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| Photo shows L-R: Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Mr. Jean-Noël Barrot; Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and former Governor Babatunde Fashola, SAN, on the occasion (Friday, October 17, 2025). |
He continued: “The OMI-EKO project is a comprehensive, future-oriented blueprint for sustainable mobility in Lagos. It merges technology, environmental stewardship and smart design to create waterways that are not just navigated, but optimised. This is the kind of innovative projects cities around the world are building to confront the twin challenges of urban population growth and climate change. Lagos is not waiting to catch up, we are setting the pace.”
The project, it was said, would reduce the negative impact of transport on health, while also reinforcing the State’s ability to fight climate change. It would promote inclusive, more resilient means of mobility.
The investment would bring decarbonised transportation in Lagos, reducing CO2 emissions by 41,000 tonnes yearly. It is expected to take 25,000 passengers yearly, saving travel time by 3hrs on each trip.
Sanwo-Olu said the investment’s objective was to make transportation through water seamless, reduce carbon footprint, the air cleaner and transform waterways from barriers of separation into corridors of opportunity.
The Governor said: “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. With OMI-EKO, we are lifting not only boats but lives, businesses, and communities. We are signaling that Lagos is ready to lead Africa’s urban transition by this bold, sustainable, and inclusive investment.”
Former Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola, who created LASWA in 2008, witnessed the historic ceremony.
The former Works and Housing Minister hailed the Sanwo-Olu administration for nurturing the agency to a viable global entity.
Fashola said the OMI-EKO project would further expand the scope of the State’s integrated transportation network, expressing optimism that the project would not stall, given the commitment of the European partners.
Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Seun Osiyemi, said the project would unlock the full potential of Lagos inland waterways, bringing the final piece of the State’s Integrated Multimodal Transportation System to life.
“OMI-EKO aligns with broader Lagos Transport Policy, which promotes sustainability, inclusivity, and innovation, while ensuring that transport solutions serve the people while protecting the environment. The project is not just about ferry operations; it is about empowering communities, creating jobs, easing congestion, and reducing our carbon footprint,” he said.
Special Adviser to the Governor on Blue Economy, Mr. Damilola Emmanuel, who doubles as LASWA’s head, noted that the OMI-EKO project was no longer a dream, but a reality that would be changing the course of transportation in Lagos.
He said the 70 hybrid electric ferries that would be deployed after the completion of the project would reduce pollutants’ emissions and boost clean mobility.
The LASWA boss said 20 existing jetties would be upgraded with modern terminals across 15 major water routes, among other things.
French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Mr. Jean-Noel Barrot, said the project received complete support from EU partners, given the untapped opportunities in Lagos waterways.
According to him, the OMI-EKO project represented the “best possible” example of what partnership could achieve for the benefit of the people, pointing out that the development was part of the success of the bilateral cooperation reached during President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent visit to the French President Emmanuel Macron.
The EU Ambassador in Nigeria, Mr. Gautier Mignot, noted the partnership was an historical milestone for Lagos and EU member states, stressing that the investment would enhance life quality.
“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.
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