The Lagos State Government has officially launched Omi Eko Project, a €410 million (Euro) initiative aimed at transforming Lagos’ inland waterways into a world-class transportation system.
The project, unveiled at the Five Cowries Terminal in Ikoyi, represents a major step in Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s plan to ease traffic congestion, improve mobility, and promote sustainable transport across Africa’s most populous city.
Backed by the Global Gateway Initiative, the Omi Eko Project is jointly financed by the French Development Agency (AFD), the European Union (EU), the European Investment Bank (EIB), and the Lagos State Government. Together, they are working to make water travel in Lagos safer, cleaner, and more efficient.
Speaking at the launch, Governor Sanwo-Olu said the project marks a “new chapter in Lagos transportation,” adding that it will “change the way people move, work, and live.”
Under the Omi Eko Project, 15 ferry routes will be developed, supported by the deployment of 75 large-capacity electric ferries and the construction of 25 modern ferry terminals. The initiative is expected to move 25 million passengers annually, cutting travel time and reducing the pressure on Lagos roads.
Officials said the electric ferries will help reduce carbon emissions by about 41,000 tons each year, aligning with Lagos’ broader goal of becoming a greener and more climate-resilient city. The project will also include electric charging points, smart ticketing systems, passenger information centers, and a vessel tracking control room for better safety and management.
“Water is a big part of Lagos. Fifteen out of our 20 local government areas are reachable by water,” said Wuraola Alake, Head of Public Affairs at the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA). “This project will make those waterways not just accessible, but reliable and safe for everyone.”
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 will run from 2024 to 2030 and is part of the Lagos State Transport Master Plan, which aims to build a fully integrated transport network across road, rail, and waterways.
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” in Yoruba, captures the spirit of the project, a city reconnecting with its waters to build a cleaner, faster, and more inclusive future.
