The Lagos State Government has embarked on what it describes as the most ambitious water transport reform in Africa a $410 million initiative aimed at transforming the state’s waterways into a cleaner, faster, and safer mobility network.
Unveiled on Friday by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Omi Eko project translated as ‘Water of Lagos’ targets the deployment of 70 hybrid-electric ferries and the rehabilitation of 20 jetties and terminals by 2030.
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.
Speaking during the unveiling, Sanwo-Olu said the initiative reflects his administration’s vision of an integrated transport system connecting water, rail, and road networks for seamless movement of people and goods.
“We are building a water-based economy that works for all — from operators to passengers, from private investors to citizens,” he stated.
The Governor 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.
Providing further insight, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Blue Economy and General Manager of the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA), Mr. Damilola Emmanuel, 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 remarked.
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, said 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, 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.
Also speaking, Chairman of the Lagos State House of Assembly Committee on Transport, Hon. Temitope Adewale, 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,” he said. “Be assured of our committee’s commitment to a safe, efficient, and multimodal transport system for Lagos.”
With Omi Eko, Lagos appears poised to redefine its approach to public transportation — shifting focus from the overburdened road network to a cleaner, more sustainable blue economy that could shape the future of mobility in Africa’s most populous city.
