By Ajibola Adedoye
In a bold move to redefine urban mobility in Africa’s most populous city, the Lagos State Government, in partnership with the French Development Agency (AFD), European Union (EU), and the European Investment Bank (EIB), has launched the Omi Eko Project—a €360 million initiative aimed at transforming the state’s water transport system into a modern, safe, and eco-friendly alternative for millions of daily commuters.
The project was officially unveiled on Friday, October 17, 2025, at the Five Cowries Terminal in Lagos, signaling what many stakeholders described as a “watershed moment” in the journey toward a more sustainable and connected Lagos.
The Omi Eko Project—named from the Yoruba phrase meaning “Lagos Water”—aims to overhaul the state’s existing, largely informal ferry system. It will introduce a structured network of 15 ferry routes stretching 140 kilometers, connecting 25 upgraded terminals across the state.
At the heart of this transformation are 75 new electric ferries, each with a capacity of 440 passengers. These state-of-the-art vessels will significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, air pollution, and noise, replacing the current fleet of small, diesel-powered boats.
The project is expected to increase the share of water transport from 1% to 5% of Lagos’s daily commuting volume, potentially saving residents up to two hours per day on key routes.
Omi Eko is being implemented by the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) and complements broader urban transport plans led by LAMATA under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s THEMES+ Agenda.
The ferry system will be fully integrated with existing public transport services, including the BRT, Metro, and first/last-mile buses, using the unified Cowry Card system for seamless ticketing and connections.
The total project funding of €360 million comes from a combination of European partners:
- €130 million loan from the French Development Agency (AFD)
- €170 million loan from the European Investment Bank (EIB)
- €60 million grant from the European Union (EU)
The financing package is part of the EU’s Global Gateway strategy, which aims to foster sustainable, large-scale infrastructure in partner countries, with Nigeria being a key focus in West Africa.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, speaking at the event, highlighted the human-centered vision behind the project:
“This project is not merely about infrastructure; it is about 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.”
Clément Beaune, French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, praised Lagos’s leadership in sustainable mobility.
“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 needs” he opined.
Samuela Isopi, EU Ambassador to Nigeria, linked the project to broader regional goals.
In his words: “Nigeria and Lagos are spearheading the execution of Global Gateway projects, showing what’s possible in terms of size and sustainability. We look forward to expanding this model across the ECOWAS region.”
Rodger Stuart, EIB Regional Director, emphasized the environmental impact, saying: “The EIB is extremely pleased to support such an impactful project. Omi Eko strengthens mobility and connectivity while reducing air and water pollution for the benefit of Lagos’s 23 million residents.”
With the launch complete, residents of Lagos can expect to see construction and rehabilitation work across ferry terminals and key water corridors in the coming months. Officials say the project will create new jobs, boost economic activity, and elevate the overall quality of life in Lagos.
The Omi Eko Project is being hailed as a model of green infrastructure and mobility for Africa, and a crucial step in the long-term plan to position Lagos as a smart, sustainable megacity.
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