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| Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu (M) |
By Stella Okocha
Harboursandportcom:Lagos-Nigeria, October 18, 2025: The Lagos State Government on Friday, 17th of October, 2025, embarked on a transformational journey in her water transport system, by becoming the the first in Africa to invest $410 million; with the sole aim of transforming the state’s waterways into a cleaner, faster, and safer mobility network.
According to the State government, the Omi Eko Project is expected to move 25 million passengers annually across 15 structured ferry routes spanning 140 kilometers and linking 25 upgraded and expanded ferry terminals across the city.
The project which was unveiled by the Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwo Olu at the Five Cowries Terminal, Ikoyi, is designed to restructure and upscale the entire waterways sector, establishing an organized, efficient, and affordable ferry system that will enhance connectivity and improve the daily commute for Lagos residents.
The project is also supported technically and financially by a consortium of European partners led by the French Development Agency (AFD) with a loan of 130 million euros, and jointly supported by the European Investment Bank (EIB) with a loan of 170 million euros, and the EU with a grant of 60 million euros.; and is Implemented by the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA).
Governor Sanwo Olu, while speaking during the launch, described the project as a bold statement that Lagos will lead Africa in building a sustainable, connected, forward-thinking water transportation ecosystem.
“Omi Eko’s project is a comprehensive, future-oriented blueprint for sustainable mobility in Lagos. It merges technology, it pushes environmental stewardship, it creates a smart design for the waterways. And it’s not just that, but it’s optimized. This is what cities around the world are doing to confront twin challenges of urban population growth and climate change. But Lagos is not waiting to catch up.
“Lagos is indeed setting the pace. Our goal is simple, but yet profound. To make movement seamless.To make air cleaner. To transform our waterways from barriers of separation into corridors of opportunity, ” he said.
He also highlighted that the project was made possible through partnership and collaboration between governments, development partners, private investors, and the people of Lagos.
The project, backed by international development partners including the European Union (EU) and the European Investment Bank (EIB), is designed to ease the strain on Lagos roads and reduce the city’s heavy carbon footprint.
Part of the initiative is the procurement of 75 state-of-the-art electric vessels each capable of carrying up to 440 passengers. These vessels will significantly cut greenhouse gas emissions while drastically reducing air and water pollution.
The Governor also disclosed that Lagos has also established Africa’s first water waste monitoring and data center to ensure real-time safety oversight on the waterways. He added that the state’s recent hosting of Africa’s first electric powerboat race was part of a broader push to position Lagos as a hub for innovation and sustainability in transport.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Blue Economy and General Manager of the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA), Mr. Damilola Emmanuel, also described Omi Eko as Africa’s largest inland waterways investment.
According to him, the project will not only promote cleaner mobility, but also create business opportunities for private ferry operators, who will manage the new electric-powered vessels under a public-private framework.
“This is no longer a dream — we are living the dream. As Lagos learns to move with its waters, it will discover the rhythms of its prosperity,” Emmanuel stated.
The initiative will also involve the dredging and channelization of 15 routes across the state and the training of water transport operators to enhance safety and efficiency.
The European Union Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Mr. Gautier Mignot, also stated that the EU’s support for Omi Eko aligns with its Global Gateway Strategy, which seeks to promote sustainable transport infrastructure across Africa.
“Omi Eko promises greener, more inclusive, and resilient urban mobility in Lagos,” Mignot said. “Each year, CO₂ emissions will drop by 41,000 tons, while 25 million passengers will save an average of three hours of travel time during peak periods.”
Similarly, the French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Mr. Jean-Noel Barrot, also noted that the project underscores France’s commitment to deepening cooperation with Nigeria on sustainable infrastructure.
“These unique electric ferries will thrive amid rising sea levels and help suppress carbon emissions,” he said.
The Chairman of the Lagos State House of Assembly Committee on Transport, Hon. Temitope Adewale, also assured residents that the legislature would provide all necessary support to ensure the successful implementation of the project.
“To residents and commuters, this project is yours to own. Be assured of our committee’s commitment to a safe, efficient, and multimodal transport system for Lagos," he said.
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