Amanze Chinonye
Days after the official unveiling of the €410 million Omi Eko Project, Lagos State continues to draw attention from global development partners and urban mobility experts for what is being described as a landmark step toward a cleaner and faster transport future for Africa’s most populous city.
The project, launched recently by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, aims to overhaul water transportation in Lagos through the deployment of electric ferries, the construction of modern jetties, and the dredging of over 140 kilometres of waterways.
Held at the Five Cowries Terminal in Ikoyi, the ceremony was attended by former governor Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN, European Union (EU) officials, and representatives of the French Development Agency (AFD) and the European Investment Bank (EIB) all key partners in the ambitious initiative.
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Governor Sanwo-Olu described the project as a defining step in Lagos’s transformation into a “future-ready megacity,” saying it would cut travel time, ease traffic congestion, and open new economic frontiers across coastal communities.
“We are transforming our waterways from barriers into corridors of mobility,” Sanwo-Olu said at the event. “This initiative will reduce travel time for millions of Lagosians, create jobs, and further strengthen our commitment to sustainable urban living.”
The Omi Eko Project, named after the Yoruba phrase for Lagos Water, will integrate water transport with the state’s existing road and rail systems to provide a seamless commuting experience.
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European Partners Back Lagos Vision
The project’s €410 million funding package includes a €60 million grant from the European Union, a €130 million concessional loan from the French Development Agency, and a €170 million facility from the European Investment Bank.
The EU’s Head of Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS said the partnership underscores Europe’s confidence in Lagos’s urban sustainability agenda.
“This initiative is about people saving time, improving mobility, and cutting emissions,” the envoy said, noting that the project is expected to save commuters up to three hours daily and reduce carbon emissions by 41,000 tonnes each year.
Fashola Commends Continuity and Local Capacity
Former Lagos governor Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN, praised the Omi Eko initiative as proof of continuity in governance and the deepening of a long-term vision for integrated transport in the state.
“What we are witnessing today is the continuation of a journey that started decades ago – a journey of service and mentorship,” he said.
Fashola also applauded the leadership of the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) and the young professionals driving the initiative.
“Young people like Damilola Emmanuel, who have been entrusted with public responsibility, have shown commitment and competence,” he said, adding that Lagos’s consistent partnership with France and the EU “has always produced results.”
He further remarked that the Omi Eko Project would “expand the scope of the state’s integrated transportation network” and cement Lagos’s status as a model of progressive infrastructure planning.
Toward a Blue Economy
The Lagos State Waterways Authority said the project will establish 15 ferry routes, 25 terminals and jetties, and a fleet of 78 electric-powered ferries, supported by charging infrastructure and digital ticketing systems.
According to LASWA General Manager Damilola Emmanuel, the Omi Eko initiative is integral to the state’s “Blue Economy” policy, which aims to harness its vast aquatic potential for transportation, tourism, and trade.
“We are building a cleaner, faster, and more connected Lagos,” Emmanuel said. “Water transport is now taking its rightful place in our mobility master plan.”
Sustaining the Momentum
Analysts have described Omi Eko as a critical investment in sustainable infrastructure that could redefine urban commuting across West Africa. However, they cautioned that successful implementation will depend on effective project management, maintenance, and affordability.
Despite those challenges, the project signals Lagos’s readiness to move from planning to practical execution in addressing mobility and climate concerns.
With its blend of innovation, international support, and continuity of vision, Omi Eko represents Lagos’s boldest effort yet to make its waterways the new arteries of urban life.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
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