By Charles Pemu 
LAGOS – Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu yesterday launched the ambitious ‘Omi Eko’ project, a massive inland waterways initiative valued at €410 million, aimed at transforming public transportation and alleviating severe traffic congestion across the state.
The project, which means ‘Lagos Water,’ is supported by the French Development Agency (AFD), the European Union (EU), and the European Investment Bank (EIB). The official unveiling at the Five Cowries Terminal in Falomo, Ikoyi, marked the start of the 2024–2030 project lifespan.
The Omi Eko Vision: Electric Vessels and New Terminals
The Lagos Omi Eko Project is touted as the largest inland waterways investment in Africa and is designed to develop mass public transport on the Lagos Lagoon. It is being implemented by the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA).
By 2030, the project is expected to feature 75 electric-powered vessels and 25 ferry terminals and jetties, with 20 existing jetties and terminals undergoing upgrades. It will develop 15 priority ferry routes, covering 140 km of ferry routes, alongside the necessary electric charging infrastructure to power the e-vessels. This overall investment of €410 million is being financed by the Lagos State Government, the European Union, and the French Authority.
Governor Sanwo-Olu stated that the project is a blueprint for sustainable urban mobility. “This project is not merely about infrastructure; it is about transformation, the transformation of lives, livelihoods, and Lagos itself,” he said.
He emphasized the government’s focus on safety, noting that waterways security personnel have been increased from 40 to over 100 well-trained officers currently patrolling the corridors.
Damilola Emmanuel, General Manager of LASWA and Special Adviser to the Governor on Blue Economy, hailed the project as the state’s largest such investment. He stressed that the investment turns the city’s master plan into reality, declaring, “This is no longer a dream—we are living the dream.”
The project received significant commendation from international partners. EU Ambassador Gautier Mignot explained that the EU’s support is derived from the project’s alignment with the Abidjan–Lagos transport corridor, a key part of the Global Gateway Strategy.
The EU Ambassador estimated that the project will lead to a 41,000-ton annual reduction in CO2 emissions. Furthermore, 25 million passengers will save an average of three hours of travel time on commuter trips at peak hours each year. French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Jean-Noel Barrot, noted that the unique electric ferries will thrive amid rising sea levels while effectively suppressing carbon emissions.
Temitope Adewale, Chairperson of the Lagos State House of Assembly Committee on Transport, confirmed that the project was initiated directly in response to the state’s growing traffic congestion. He added that Omi Eko offers hope by creating efficient, reliable commuter alternatives that will significantly improve travel times across waterfront communities.
Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, reiterated that the project embodies a Green Lagos, balancing progress with preservation while creating jobs and easing congestion.