Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has unveiled the $410 million Omi-Eko Project, a flagship water transport initiative aimed at transforming the state’s waterways from barriers of separation into corridors of economic opportunity.
Speaking during the official launch of the project in Lagos on Friday, Sanwo-Olu said the initiative represents a major step in building a sustainable, smart, and efficient transport system for Africa’s largest city.
The Omi-Eko Project—meaning “Water of Lagos”—seeks to ease pressure on Lagos’ congested roads by harnessing its vast network of waterways to connect communities, promote clean energy, and drive innovation in urban mobility.
According to the governor, the project embodies a comprehensive vision for sustainable mobility and environmental stewardship. “Our goal is clear: a Lagos where movement is seamless, where the air is cleaner, and where the waterways become corridors of opportunity rather than barriers of separation,” he said.
Sanwo-Olu added that Omi-Eko would redefine how Lagosians move and work, combining smart design and technology to create a greener and more inclusive transport network. “We are not just improving transportation; we are redefining mobility. We are not just managing water; we are mastering the possibility,” he stated.
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 noted that the initiative reflects years of planning that began under former Governor Babatunde Fashola with the creation of the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA), which has now evolved under Sanwo-Olu’s leadership.
Emmanuel disclosed that the project will deploy over 70 hybrid-electric ferries to reduce emissions and promote clean transportation. It will also upgrade 20 jetties and terminals, dredge and channelise 15 major routes, and provide capacity development for operators.
“We will also be funding the informal sector under the vessel industry transition programme,” Emmanuel added, acknowledging the support of international partners such as the Agence Française de Développement, the European Investment Bank, and the European Union.
On his part, the European Union Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Mr. Gautier Mignot, said the Omi-Eko Project aligns with the EU’s Global Gateway Strategy, particularly the Abidjan-Lagos Transport Corridor. He highlighted that sustainability is central to the initiative, which will help reduce transport emissions, improve air quality, and enhance the daily lives of millions of Lagos residents.
“Each year, CO2 emissions will drop by 41,000 tonnes, and 25 million passengers will save, on average, three hours of travel time during peak hours,” Mignot said.
Similarly, the French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Mr. Jean-Noel Barrot, praised the project as a major product of the partnership between Nigeria and France, noting that it will advance clean mobility and climate resilience. “This Omi-Eko and the unique electric ferries will thrive amid rising sea levels and suppress carbon emissions,” he remarked.
The Omi-Eko Project is part of the Lagos State Government’s broader commitment to developing a blue economy that supports sustainable growth, environmental preservation, and job creation for residents.
