By Oluyinka Onigbinde
Findings by Shipping Position Daily have revealed that seven months after the Lagos State Government officially launched the multi-million dollar Omi Eko Water Transport Project amid public excitement and promises to transform water transportation across the state, physical construction is yet to commence.
Investigations by our correspondent show that the ambitious waterfront transport initiative, unveiled in October 2025, remains at the preparatory stage, with project promoters currently focused on engaging consultants, contractors, and key stakeholders before moving to site.
A source who pleaded anonymity confirmed that no construction activities have begun, citing a lack of willing contractors at this stage of the project.
The development our correspondent gathered has raised concerns among residents and industry stakeholders who had expected visible construction work months after the project’s launch.
Speaking on the current status of the project, the Head of Communication and Media for the Omi Eko Project, Segun Alabi, said the project is currently undergoing technical and stakeholder engagement processes ahead of full implementation.
According to him, the immediate focus after the launch was to bring consultants and contractors on board to handle key aspects of project execution.
“At the initial stage after the launch, the process is to bring contractors and consultants on board, and that is ongoing,” he said.
He explained that physical construction cannot commence until the required technical partners and contractors are fully mobilised.
“So physical construction is not starting yet until the contractors are on ground. As soon as we have another milestone, we will communicate with the media,” he stated.
The Omi Eko Project is expected to play a strategic role in the Lagos State Government’s transportation master plan by expanding water transport infrastructure, improving connectivity across waterfront communities, and easing pressure on the state’s congested road network.
Checks by our correspondent further revealed that despite the initial fanfare that accompanied the launch, there has been little visible activity at proposed project sites, raising questions about the pace of implementation.
Responding to concerns over the apparent delay, Alabi said consultations with stakeholders remain a critical part of the project development phase.
“We are engaging in stakeholder engagement for now speaking to communities, operators and other stakeholders. That is the stage we are now,” he added.
Findings indicate that the engagement process involves discussions with waterfront communities, transport operators, industry players, and other affected groups whose cooperation is considered vital for smooth implementation.
Despite assurances from officials that progress is being made behind the scenes, the absence of visible construction activity seven months after launch is expected to heighten public scrutiny over the project’s timeline and delivery expectations.
Authorities, however, maintain that the media and public will be briefed as soon as the project reaches its next implementation milestone.
