Omi Eko project records milestone as Lagos begins PMOD consultancy
By Imisioluwa Afunmiso
The Lagos State Government has commenced the Project Management, Operations and Design (PMOD) Consultancy for the Omi Eko Project, marking a significant step in the implementation of its water transportation initiative aimed at improving mobility across the state.
The Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Oluwaseun Osiyemi, announced this during the PMOD Consultancy kick-off meeting held in Lagos on Wednesday, describing the exercise as a major milestone in the delivery of a modern, efficient and sustainable water transport system.
Osiyemi said the consultancy would provide the technical leadership, operational guidance and project management expertise required for the successful execution of the Omi Eko Project.
He noted that the initiative represents one of the largest investments in inland waterways transportation in Africa, adding that it is designed to improve connectivity, reduce travel time, enhance passenger safety, stimulate economic activities and promote environmental sustainability through cleaner transport solutions.
According to him, the role of the PMOD consultant extends beyond project management and design to coordinating stakeholders, supporting implementation and ensuring the project is delivered successfully.
“The Omi Eko Project represents one of the most ambitious investments in inland waterways transportation in Africa. Beyond modern infrastructure and electric ferry technology, the project is designed to improve connectivity, reduce travel time, enhance passenger safety, stimulate economic activities and contribute meaningfully to environmental sustainability through cleaner transport solutions,” he said.
The commissioner stressed that the project’s success would depend on effective collaboration among the Lagos State Government, development partners, consultants, contractors and host communities.
He also expressed appreciation to the French Development Agency (AFD), the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the European Union (EU) for supporting the state’s vision of sustainable urban mobility under the administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
Osiyemi commended the Omi Eko Project team, the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) and other stakeholders for their contributions to the progress recorded so far.
Speaking on behalf of the PMOD consultancy, the Head of Delegation and Director of the International Unit at Planet SA, Mr. Dimitris Galanis, reaffirmed the firm’s commitment to delivering the assignment in line with international best practices.
He said the consultancy would provide world-class project management, operational planning and technical expertise to support the successful implementation of the project.
“We look forward to working collaboratively with all stakeholders to deliver a safe, efficient and sustainable water transport system that will benefit millions of Lagos residents,” Galanis said.
The Omi Eko Project is a flagship initiative of the Lagos State Government aimed at transforming water transportation through the development of modern infrastructure, deployment of electric ferry services and improvement of operational systems to drive economic growth and environmental sustainability.
Osiyemi expressed confidence that the expertise of the PMOD consultancy team and the commitment of all stakeholders would ensure the successful delivery of the project.