Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has launched the €410 million Omi Eko Water Transport Project, a huge project aiming at decongesting Lagos roadways by reactivating the state’s underutilised waterways.
Supported by partners in the commercial sector and the European Union, the initiative is scheduled to start in June.
To improve safety and cooperation on the inland waterways, Omi Eko, which translates to “Lagos Waters,” will build more than 15 ferry routes, supply 25 high-capacity boats, modify current jetties, and install a central control and command centre.
Speaking at the project signing ceremony in Lagos, Sanwo-Olu said: “This is more than a transport solution, it is a transformational project. For decades, our roads have carried more than they were designed for, and the consequences are clear: gridlock, lost productivity, and environmental pollution. With Omi Eko, we are opening up the blue corridors of Lagos and bringing relief to our people.”
Sanwo-Olu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to delivering the project on schedule and ensuring value for money. “We are not here to talk. We are here to deliver. Our people deserve better, and with Omi Eko, we are giving them better,” he said.
The governor emphasised the strategic role of waterways in the state’s long-term mobility plan. “Lagos has over 22 percent of its landmass covered by water. It is only sensible to fully exploit this God-given asset to connect communities, boost commerce, and reduce dependence on road transport,” he said.
The financing model is structured as a Public-Private Partnership (PPP), combining €190 million in private investment with €220 million in grants and concessional loans from the European Union and affiliated development institutions.
Samuela Isopi, EU Ambassador to Nigeria, described the project as “a milestone in the EU’s commitment to sustainable development and urban resilience in Africa.”
“Omi Eko represents what partnership should be—ambitious, inclusive, and climate-conscious. The EU is proud to support this landmark investment, which aligns with our Global Gateway strategy and reflects our long-term commitment to Nigeria’s development,” Isopi said.
Phase one of the project will focus on priority corridors, including Ikorodu-Marina, Badore-Falomo, Ijegun-Ebute Ero, and Ipakodo-CMS. According to state officials, the system is projected to serve over 1.5 million commuters monthly and reduce road congestion significantly.
Damilola Emmanuel, Managing Director of the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA), noted that the project was designed with safety, efficiency, and sustainability in mind.
“We are not just building a transport system—we are building trust in the waterways. With modern ferries, better terminals, digital ticketing, and coordinated control systems, Lagosians can expect a world-class experience,” Emmanuel said.
The Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), co-supervising the rollout, confirmed that construction will begin in June and span multiple phases.
Urban mobility experts have also welcomed the development. Dr. Bunmi Ajayi, a former World Bank consultant on transport, remarked, “This is the kind of intervention Lagos has needed for years. Water transport is cheaper, faster, and more environmentally friendly. If properly executed, Omi Eko could shift thousands of cars off our roads daily.”