- Sanwo-Olu, EU Unveil €410m Omi-Eko Waterways Project in Lagos
- …Project to inject 70 hybrid electric ferries, develop 140km ferry routes, 25 modern terminals
- …‘Lagos ready to explore water-based economy’ – LASWA boss
The Lagos State Government, in partnership with the European Union, has officially launched the €410 million Omi-Eko Inland Waterways Transport Project, marking a major step toward sustainable and efficient mobility in Africa’s largest city.
Eko Hot Blog reports that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Friday described the launch as “historic”, saying it moves the long-envisioned project from “blueprint to reality.” The initiative, he noted, reflects Lagos’ commitment to reducing road congestion, cutting emissions, and building a cleaner, more inclusive transport system.
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The Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) will implement the project, which is divided into two components, one of which is scheduled for completion by 2030. Funding was secured through the EU’s Global Gateway Initiative, French Development Agency (AFD), and the European Investment Bank (EIB), including a subsidised loan of €360 million.
The first phase covers the channelisation and dredging of 140km of ferry routes, with 15 priority corridors to be developed. It also includes 25 ferry terminals and jetties equipped with electric charging stations for hybrid vessels, as well as maintenance depots and connecting road infrastructure.
Sanwo-Olu said the Omi-Eko project would “turn Lagos’ waterways from barriers of separation into corridors of opportunity,” adding that it would help achieve a 41,000-tonne annual CO₂ reduction, cut travel time by three hours per trip, and move 25,000 passengers daily.
“Every Lagosian knows the frustration of traffic,” Sanwo-Olu said. “But Lagos began as a network of islands connected by water. This project reconnects us to our roots while propelling us into a cleaner, faster future.”
Former Governor Babatunde Fashola, who established LASWA in 2008, attended the ceremony, commending Sanwo-Olu for sustaining and expanding the state’s multimodal transport vision.
EU Ambassador Gautier Mignot and French Minister Jean-Noel Barrot reaffirmed the EU’s commitment, describing Omi-Eko as a model for global gateway partnerships that promote green, inclusive growth.
The project will also see 70 hybrid electric ferries deployed, modernisation of 20 jetties, and training for local operators strengthening Lagos’ position as a leader in sustainable urban transport across Africa.
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