Lagos State’s long-anticipated inland waterways transportation initiative, ‘OMI-EKO,’ has officially transitioned from blueprint to reality.
On Friday, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu formally launched the €410 million waterways infrastructure project, a major partnership with the European Union, designed to deliver rapid, sustainable water transport options and decisively address mobility challenges for Lagosians.
The project, which is structured in two components with the second phase slated for completion by 2030, will be implemented by the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA). Lagos secured the substantial funding via the Global Gateway Initiative, with the European Investment Bank (EIB) earmarking a subsidized loan of €360million, alongside contributions from the French Development Agency (AFD) and the European Union (EU).
The core of the initial phase covers the channelisation, marking, and dredging of 140 kilometers of ferry routes, from which Lagos will develop 15 priority routes. This comprehensive infrastructure plan includes the construction of 25 modern ferry terminals and jetties, which will be equipped with electric charging facilities to power the fleet of 70 hybrid electric ferries being deployed.
Supporting the operations will be onshore depots for routine vessel maintenance, along with essential land connections and road surfacing to integrate the ferry terminals with other transport services.
Governor Sanwo-Olu described the OMI-EKO launch as “historic,” calling it a “bold statement” that reaffirms Lagos’ commitment to delivering a sustainable integrated water transportation ecosystem.
He stressed that exploring the full potential of water transport is a critical priority in his administration’s THEMES+ Agenda. “Every Lagosian knows the frustration of traffic,” the Governor stated, reminding attendees that Lagos’ original identity was “a network of islands, knitted together by water.”
He concluded, “The OMI-EKO project is a comprehensive, future-oriented blueprint for sustainable mobility in Lagos. We are setting the pace.”
The investment is expected to bring decarbonized transportation to Lagos, which will reduce CO2 emissions by an estimated 41,000 tonnes yearly.
The tea sports system is also expected to take 25,000 passengers daily, saving commuters up to three hours of travel time on each trip.
Sanwo-Olu noted that the objective is to make transportation through water seamless, reduce the carbon footprint, and transform waterways from barriers of separation into corridors of opportunity.
Special Adviser to the Governor on Blue Economy and LASWA head, Mr. Damilola Emmanuel, elaborated that the project is no longer a dream but a reality that will be changing the course of transportation in Lagos.
He highlighted that the deployment of hybrid electric ferries will significantly reduce pollutant emissions and boost clean mobility.
Emmanuel added, “This is how we build a water-based economy that works for all from operators to passengers, from private investors to our citizens,” confirming that funding will also be provided for the informal boat sector under LASWA’s Vessel Industry initiative.”
Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Seun Osiyemi, further commented that OMI-EKO will “unlock the full potential of Lagos inland waterways,” bringing the final piece of the State’s Integrated Multimodal Transportation System to life.
Former Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola, who created LASWA in 2008, graced the ceremony, hailing the Sanwo-Olu administration for nurturing the agency into a viable global entity.
French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Mr. Jean-Noel Barrot, and the EU Ambassador in Nigeria, Mr. Gautier Mignot, both confirmed the project’s success as a key outcome of bilateral cooperation, noting that the investment will enhance the quality of life and supports the development of 12 strategic waterways corridors across West Africa.