The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has said the newly launched Omi Eko Project will revolutionise water transportation in Lagos, turning the state’s waterways into engines of growth and sustainability.
Speaking during the official unveiling of the $410 million Omi Eko Project on Friday, Sanwo-Olu described it as a visionary step towards solving Lagos’s long-standing transportation challenges and building a cleaner, more efficient mobility system.
The initiative, he said, marks a defining moment in Lagos’s journey toward a smart, sustainable and multimodal transport network.
According to him, the project will unlock new economic opportunities, decongest the state’s roads, and promote clean energy innovation across the city.
Lagos Bets Big on Water Transport with Omi Eko Project
Governor Sanwo-Olu explained that the Omi Eko Project, meaning Water of Lagos, embodies his administration’s vision of transforming the state’s waterways into productive corridors that connect communities and stimulate local economies.
“This initiative goes beyond building ferries or terminals,” the governor said.
“It represents a comprehensive, future-oriented blueprint for sustainable urban mobility. The Omi Eko Project merges technology, design, and environmental responsibility to create a transport ecosystem that is smart, inclusive, and green.”
He added that the goal is to redefine mobility in Africa’s most populous city by turning its waterways into solutions rather than obstacles.
“We are not just improving transportation; we are redefining movement. We are not just managing water; we are mastering possibility,” he stated.
A Milestone in Africa’s Blue Economy
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Blue Economy, Mr. Damilola Emmanuel, described the Omi Eko Project as the largest inland waterways investment in Africa.
He said the initiative builds on years of strategic planning, beginning from the creation of the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) under former Governor Babatunde Fashola, to the expansion of Lagos’s maritime infrastructure under Sanwo-Olu.
“The Omi Eko Project will deploy over 70 hybrid-electric ferries to reduce emissions and promote cleaner mobility,” Emmanuel revealed.
“We will also upgrade 20 jetties and terminals, dredge and channelise 15 major routes, and train stakeholders across the value chain. Crucially, we will fund the informal sector through the vessel industry transition programme.”
According to him, the project represents a fusion of innovation and inclusivity, enabling both private operators and commuters to benefit from the evolving blue economy.
International Partnerships Drive the Omi Eko Project
Emmanuel acknowledged the support of international partners, including the Agence Française de Développement (AFD), the European Investment Bank (EIB), and the European Union (EU), for their role in financing and facilitating the project.
“The partnership between Lagos and our global allies shows that this is no longer a dream but a reality,” he said.
“As Lagos learns to move with its waters, it will discover the rhythms of its prosperity.”
He expressed optimism that the Omi Eko Project will serve as a model for other African cities aiming to harness their waterways for sustainable growth.
EU and France Endorse Lagos’ Vision
In his remarks, the European Union Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Mr. Gautier Mignot, said the Omi Eko Project was selected for EU sponsorship because of its alignment with the Abidjan-Lagos Transport Corridor, part of the EU’s Global Gateway Strategy.
“Africa is home to some of the fastest-growing cities, and Lagos is a prime example of both the challenges and opportunities urbanisation presents,” Mignot said.
“Projects like the Omi Eko initiative are essential to creating more efficient, inclusive, and sustainable transport systems.”
He added that the project would significantly reduce the negative impacts of transport on health, environment, and climate.
“Each year, CO₂ emissions will drop by an estimated 41,000 tonnes, while 25 million passengers will save an average of three hours on their daily commutes. This will transform urban living standards in Lagos,” Mignot said.
Similarly, the French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Mr. Jean-Noel Barrot, hailed the Omi Eko initiative as a symbol of growing Nigeria-France cooperation in sustainable development.
“This project, with its electric ferries and eco-friendly design, represents the future of urban transport.
It demonstrates how partnerships can create climate-smart infrastructure capable of thriving even amid global environmental challenges,” Barrot noted.
Lagos Leads Nigeria’s Sustainable Transport Drive
Transportation experts say the Omi Eko Project could become a cornerstone of Lagos’s ambition to integrate water transport with road, rail, and air systems—building a truly multimodal city.
Analysts also highlight the economic implications, projecting that the project will create thousands of jobs, strengthen private-sector participation, and position Lagos as West Africa’s leading blue economy hub.
Governor Sanwo-Olu reaffirmed that his administration remains committed to implementing large-scale urban mobility solutions that improve lives and protect the environment.
“Our vision is for Lagos to become not just a megacity, but a model of sustainability and efficiency,” he said.
“With the Omi Eko Project, we are not only connecting people but also connecting opportunity.”
The $410 million Omi Eko Project stands as one of the boldest infrastructure undertakings in Lagos’s history, combining technology, clean energy, and international collaboration to redefine how Africa’s largest city moves.
As the project unfolds, Lagos is expected to become a benchmark for sustainable transport and blue economy development across the continent.
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