By Ajibola Adedoye
In a major stride towards climate action and sustainable urban development, the Lagos State Government has unveiled the Omi Eko Project, a transformative water transport initiative that is projected to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 41,000 metric tonnes annually—the equivalent of taking over 9,000 cars off the road each year.
Launched on Friday at the Five Cowries Terminal, the project is backed by a €360 million funding package from European partners including the French Development Agency (AFD), the European Investment Bank (EIB), and the European Union (EU). The initiative represents one of the most ambitious environmental and infrastructure collaborations in West Africa to date.
At the core of the project is the deployment of 75 state-of-the-art electric ferries, each with a capacity of 440 passengers. These vessels will replace the current fleet of petrol-powered boats, which contribute significantly to both air and water pollution in Lagos’ densely populated urban corridors.
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The shift to electric propulsion is expected to cut 41,000 metric tonnes of CO₂ annually—a figure that experts say will dramatically improve air quality, lower Lagos’ carbon footprint, and advance Nigeria’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Climate Agreement.
“This isn’t just about mobility—it’s a bold climate action plan in motion,” said Rodger Stuart, Regional Director of the EIB. “The emission reduction potential of Omi Eko shows what is possible when infrastructure investment is aligned with sustainability goals.”
According to the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA), the new ferries are expected to significantly reduce the emission of not only CO₂ but also particulate matter (PM), nitrogen oxides (NOₓ), and hydrocarbons, pollutants linked to respiratory and cardiovascular illnesses.
Lagos, a megacity of over 23 million people, has long struggled with traffic congestion and pollution from over-reliance on road-based transport. With the introduction of this modern electric ferry network, the city is set to alleviate road congestion, improve public health, and enhance resilience to climate change.
The Omi Eko Project exemplifies Europe’s commitment to Africa’s green transition under the Global Gateway Initiative, which aims to build sustainable infrastructure worldwide.
- €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)
“Through Omi Eko, Lagos is sending a clear message that African cities can be climate leaders,” said Samuela Isopi, the EU Ambassador to Nigeria. “The EU is proud to support this historic shift in urban mobility and climate resilience.”
The project is a flagship initiative under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s THEMES+ agenda, which prioritizes sustainability and innovation across all sectors. Speaking at the launch, the Governor emphasized that environmental impact was central to the project’s design:
“Omi Eko is a powerful symbol of the future we are building—where economic growth and environmental protection go hand-in-hand,” said Sanwo-Olu. “The reduction of 41,000 metric tonnes of carbon emissions is not just a statistic; it represents thousands of lives improved through cleaner air and faster commutes.”
As construction and deployment begin, Lagos is positioning itself as a regional model for sustainable mobility, with implications for other West African cities seeking climate-smart transport solutions.
Urban planners and environmentalists have hailed the project as a milestone in Africa’s low-carbon transition, pointing out that Lagos’ model could be adapted across the ECOWAS region, especially along the Lagos-Abidjan Corridor—a strategic focus of the EU’s Global Gateway investments.
Construction work on 25 ferry terminals and 140 km of waterways is set to commence in phases, with the first batch of electric ferries expected by late 2026. Full integration with Lagos’ Metro, BRT, and last-mile bus systems—via the Cowry Card—will ensure a seamless, intermodal commuting experience.
The Omi Eko Project is more than an infrastructure overhaul—it is Lagos’ declaration of climate responsibility, and a bold step toward a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable future.
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