Sanwo-Olu unveils ‘Omi Eko’ project with 78 electric ferries to boost Lagos waterways transport

Babajide Sanwo-Olu, governor of Lagos, has launched the “OmiEko” project, an initiative designed to transform water transportation andadvance the state’s blue economy. Speaking on Friday at the unveiling of 78 electric ferriesfor the ‘Omi Eko’ project, Sanwo-Olu said the initiative marked a new chapterin Lagos’ transport story, underscoring his administration’s commitment tosustainable and modern urban mobility. ‘Omi Eko’ is a Yoruba phrase that can be loosely translatedas ‘the water of Lagos’. The governor described the project as a bold declaration ofLagos’ resolve to build an efficient, affordable, and environmentallyresponsible ferry system. “Our story as Lagosians has always been written on water,”Sanwo-Olu said. “But history is not just what we inherit; it is also what wechoose to create. Today, we are launching not just a project but a vision toredefine urban movement.” He said the initiative reflects innovation and resilience,combining technology, smart design, and environmental consciousness to optimisethe city’s waterways. “Our goal is simple but profound — to make movementseamless, to make the air cleaner, and to transform our waterways into channelsof prosperity,” the Lagos governor said. “Water is life, water is connectivity, and water is the soulof Lagos. It nourishes us, shapes our identity, and carries us into thefuture.” Sanwo-Olu said “Omi Eko” complements his THEMES Plus agenda,which integrates rail and road expansion to create a balanced, multimodaltransport system. He added that the government has recently expanded its ferryfleet, strengthened waterway security, and inaugurated Africa’s first WaterwaysMonitoring and Data Centre to improve efficiency and safety. ‘YOUNGER LEADERS ARE PROVING THEIR WORTH’ Babatunde Fashola, former governor of Lagos, commendedSanwo-Olu for sustaining the state’s vision of an integrated transport systemthat connects roads, rail, and waterways. Fashola said the project shows that younger leaders, whengiven the opportunity, can deliver transformative governance outcomes. “What we are witnessing today is the continuation of ajourney that started decades ago — a journey of service and mentorship,”Fashola said. “Young people like Damilola Emmanuel (LASWA MD), who havebeen entrusted with public responsibility, have shown commitment andcompetence. “I must commend the governor and his team for deepening theintermodal transport system of Lagos.” He praised the partnership between Lagos and the FrenchDevelopment Agency (AFD), noting that the collaboration reflects long-standingtrust and results-orientated cooperation. “For those who ask why we always engage French partners, itis because when they commit, they deliver — and this project is anothertestament to that partnership,” Fashola said. AFD, EU COMMIT FUNDS The project, being implemented by the Lagos State WaterwahysAuthority (LASWA), is backed technically and financially by Europeanpartners—including a €130 million loan from the French Development Agency(AFD), a €170 million loan from the European Investment Bank (EIB), and a €60million grant from the European Union (EU). Jean-Noël Barrot, France’s minister for Europe and foreignaffairs, said the partnership underscores Lagos’ leading role in adoptingsustainable and innovative mobility solutions across Africa. “Through Omi Eko, Nigeria, with the support of France andthe EU, is leading the way in putting innovative and sustainable mobility atthe service of people’s needs, at the heart of Lagos, Africa’s largest city,”Barrot said. Gautier Mignot, the EU ambassador to Nigeria, said Lagos issetting a benchmark in the implementation of global gateway projects across thecontinent. “Nigeria and Lagos are spearheading the execution of GlobalGateway projects, showing the level of ambition that can be achieved both insize and sustainability,” Mignot said. “As the Lagos–Abidjan corridor remains a key area for GlobalGateway intervention, we look forward to expanding sustainable connectivity inthe ECOWAS region and beyond.” The plan will see the deployment of 78 high-capacityelectric ferries, digital ticketing systems, intelligent terminals, andenhanced safety facilities.

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