With the recent launch of the innovative Omi Eko Project, the Lagos State government has taken another giant leap in its bid to transform transportation in the state. The project strengthens the government’s commitment to building a cleaner, safer, and more efficient city where water becomes a true channel for mobility and opportunity.
For generations, Lagos has been defined by water, yet its roads have carried most of the city’s movement. Water is a big part of Lagos. Fifteen of its local government areas are reachable by water. This project will make those waterways not just accessible, but reliable and safe for everyone.
The Omi Eko Project is poised to positively change the state’s water transportation narrative through focused investment in modern water transport. It 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 3 hours on each trip.
The project has two key components. The first covers the construction of inland waterways infrastructure, including 15 priority ferry routes, the dredging and marking of 140 kilometres of channels, and the development of 25 ferry terminals and jetties with electric charging points, maintenance depots, and improved road connections. The second focuses on sustainable operations, with over 75 electric-powered ferries, intelligent transport systems for ticketing and passenger information, and capacity building for the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA). The overall goal is to give Lagosians more options to move safely and efficiently while easing congestion and supporting economic growth.
With the €410 million project, being funded through a partnership between the European Union (EU) and key development finance institutions, the government aims to transform Lagos into a hub of clean, efficient, and integrated water mobility. The project is envisioned to 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 Babajide Sanwo-Olu described the project as “historic”, calling it “a bold statement reaffirming Lagos’ frontline leadership in delivering a sustainable integrated water transportation ecosystem”.
The initiative, which aligns with the state’s THEMES+ Agenda that prioritises sustainable mobility, will reduce traffic congestion, improve public health, and promote environmental sustainability. The 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. Its launch is, therefore, more than a ceremonial curtain pull. It is a covenant with the people, the planet, and with future generations.
With Omi-Eko, the state is lifting not only boats but lives, businesses, and communities. It is 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.
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. There will be funding for the informal boat sector under the Vessel Industry. This is how to build a water-based economy that works for all — from operators to passengers, from private investors to the citizens.
As part of the project, 20 existing jetties would be upgraded and 70 hybrid electric ferries deployed upon completion, significantly cutting emissions and driving clean mobility across the state.
No doubt, the project is a model for global cooperation, as it embodies the success of bilateral ties strengthened during President Bola Tinubu’s recent visit to French President Emmanuel Macron. It, thus, represents the best possible example of what partnership can achieve for the benefit of the people.
The initiative is particularly a historic milestone for Lagos and EU member states, especially considering that the investment would enhance life quality and connectivity. The Omi Eko Project will further expand the scope of the state’s integrated transportation network, which the current administration has taken to a new height with the commissioning of the Lagos Blue Line Rail, the Lagos Red Line Rail, and the plan to begin the Purple Line Rail, among others.
With Omi Eko, Lagos has unleashed an initiative that would finally unlock the full potential of Lagos’ inland waterways and complete the vision of a fully integrated multimodal transport system. Herein lies the beauty of the project; it aligns with the broader Lagos Transport Policy, which promotes sustainability, inclusivity, and innovation.
The project is not just about ferry operations; it is about empowering communities, creating jobs, easing congestion, and reducing carbon footprint. With the project, the Sanwo-Olu administration is poised to revolutionize Lagos’ water transportation landscape by integrating innovative technology, strengthening terminal infrastructure, and championing environmental sustainability. With the deployment of over 78 high-capacity electric ferries, digital ticketing systems, intelligent terminals, and safety innovations, the project will significantly reduce commute times and establish a reliable, modern transportation option for millions.
The Five Cowries Terminal, a central hub of intermodal transport in Lagos, where the project was launched, serves as the perfect location for the project, symbolizing the seamless integration of land and water mobility as outlined in the Lagos Urban Mobility Plan.
Representatives of AFD, EU, and EIB, who spoke during the event, praised Lagos for taking a bold step toward sustainable mobility. They emphasised that the collaboration reflects shared goals of improving infrastructure while protecting the environment.
The Omi Eko Project, which is part of the Lagos State Transport Master Plan, aims to build a fully integrated transport network across road, rail, and waterways, and it will run from 2024 to 2030. When completed, the system will help cut average commuting time by up to three hours on key routes, provide thousands of jobs, and encourage Lagosians to embrace water travel as a safe, affordable, and eco-friendly option.
“Omi Eko”, which translates to “Water of Lagos”, captures the spirit of the project, a city reconnecting with its waters to build a cleaner, faster, and more inclusive future.
· Ogunbiyi is Director, Public Enlightenment & Community Relations, Lagos State Ministry of Information & Strategy, Alausa, Ikeja.
