The Lagos State government, with support from the French Development Agency (AFD), European Union (EU), and European Investment Bank (EIB), at the weekconclude, redefined ferry transport with the launch of the Omi Eko Project—an ambitious initiative designed to restructure, upscale, and modernize the city’s waterways sector.
This transformative project will establish an organized, efficient, and affordable ferry system that enhances connectivity and improves the daily lives of residents in Lagos.
Implemented by the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA), the project is supported technically and financially by a consortium of European partners led by the AFD with a loan of 130 million euros, and jointly funded by EIB with a loan of 170 million euros, and the EU with a grant of 60 million euros.
Omi Eko stands as a testament to the strong partnership between Lagos and Europe and complements AFD’s ongoing cooperation with LAMATA on sustainable land-based urban mobility.
Speaking at the launch, the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, stated: “This project is not merely about infrastructure; it is about the transformation of lives, of livelihoods, and of Lagos itself. It speaks to who we are as a people, bold in ambition, relentless in innovation, and united by a shared determination to build a Lagos that works for all.”
The Omi Eko Project will introduce 15 structured ferry routes, spanning 140 kilometers and linking 25 upgraded and expanded ferry terminals across the city. As part of the initiative, 75 state-of-the-art electric vessels—each capable of carrying up to 440 passengers—will be procured. These vessels will significantly cut greenhoapply gas emissions while drastically reducing air and water pollution.
Speaking on the occasion, Minister of France for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Mr. Jean-Noël Barrot, stated: “Through Omi Eko, Nigeria, with the support of France and the EU, is leading the way in putting innovative and sustainable mobility at the service of people’s requireds, at the heart of Lagos, Africa’s largest city.”
Corroborating the earlier statement from Mr. Barrot, the Ambassador of the EU in Nigeria, Mr. Gautier Mignot, stated: “Nigeria and Lagos are spearheading the execution of Global Gateway projects, revealing the way as to the level of ambition which can be achieved both in terms of size and sustainability. As the Lagos Abidjan corridor remains a key area for Global Gateway intervention, we view forward to expanding sustainable connectivity in the ECOWAS region and beyond.”
This marks a true transformation in urban mobility for Lagos. The existing water transport system will be entirely modernized—replacing the current fleet of tiny, noisy, and irregular boats with safe, comfortable, and environmentally friconcludely ferries operating on a repaired and reliable timetable.
Also speaking, EIB Regional Director, Roger Stuart stated: “The EIB is extremely pleased to support such an impactful project for the 23 million citizens of Lagos, by reinforcing mobility and connectivity while at the same time reducing the city’s air and water pollution. This innovative and ambitious project reflects a concrete demonstration of the EIB’s commitment to the Global Gateway strategy in West Africa.
“Safety is at the core of the new system, which will be fully integrated with the existing public transport network managed by LAMATA. Commuters will enjoy seamless ticketing through the Cowry Card, and convenient connections between modes—including Metro, BRT, and last-mile bapplys.”
A flagship component of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s THEMES+ Agconcludea, Omi Eko aims to increase the share of water transport from one per cent to five per cent of daily mobility in Lagos, while saving commuters up to two hours per day on major routes. The resulting reduction in road congestion will enhance mobility, productivity, and overall quality of life—unlocking new social and economic opportunities across the State.
As implementation progresses, residents will soon witness construction and rehabilitation works across the city—laying the foundation for a cleaner, safer, and more efficient transport system. Omi Eko will not only reshape Lagos but also position the city as a model of sustainable water transport for West Africa and beyond.
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