Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Friday unveiled the Omi-Eko Project, declaring that the initiative marks another milestone in his administration’s efforts to expand water transportation and integrate it with other modes across the state.
Speaking at the launch held at the Five Coweries Terminal, Falomo, Sanwo-Olu said the project underscores his government’s resolve to make water transport a reliable and safe alternative for Lagosians.
The Governor explained that the initiative would improve connectivity between riverine communities and the metropolis, stimulate economic growth, and promote sustainable mobility.
“The Omi-Eko Project is more than just infrastructure; it is part of our vision to ease traffic congestion, connect communities, and open new frontiers for economic growth across Lagos,” the governor said. “We are building a city where road, rail, and water transportation complement each other for the comfort of all residents.”
Also speaking, French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Mr. Jean-Noël Barrot, reaffirmed France’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with Lagos, while praising the Lagos State Government for its leadership in urban innovation.
He said France remains proud to collaborate with Lagos in implementing projects that reduce emissions, strengthen environmental resilience, and improve living standards for residents.
“France is pleased to stand with Lagos in this forward-looking project,” Barrot stated. “Omi-Eko demonstrates how transport development can go hand in hand with environmental responsibility and social progress.”
Speaking on behalf of development partners, European Union Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Mr. Gauthier Mignard, commended Lagos for championing sustainable mobility.
He disclosed that the Omi-Eko Project benefits from the partnership of Team Europe, which brings together the EU, the French Development Agency (AFD), and other partners to improve water transport infrastructure.
“The European Union and our partners in Team Europe are proud to support the Omi-Eko Project,” Mignard said. “It is a shining example of how cities can embrace innovation to move people efficiently while protecting the environment.”
In his remarks, Commissioner for Transportation in Lagos, Mr. Oluwaseun Osiyemi, said the initiative aligns with the state’s long-term transport reforms.
According to Osiyemi, the government’s approach ensures every mode; road, rail, and water, works in synergy to meet the mobility needs of the state’s growing population.
“Every investment we make in the transport sector, whether on land, rail, or water is guided by a single master plan,” Osiyemi said. “The goal is to ensure that no Lagosian is more than a few minutes away from an efficient means of public transport.”
Former Lagos State Governor and Minister of Works, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN, applauded Governor Sanwo-Olu for building on the foundation laid by previous administrations. He said the Omi-Eko Project reflects the long-term vision of successive administrations to create a truly integrated and efficient transportation system for Lagos.
“What we see here today is the Lagos vision in motion,” Fashola said. “It shows the power of continuity, when every administration adds value rather than starting afresh.”
Earlier in his welcome address, Special Adviser to the Governor on the Blue Economy, Mr. Damilola Emmanuel, described the Omi-Eko Project as a key part of the state’s vision to harness its maritime resources for development. He said the project, supported by development partners, would include jetties, terminals, and environmentally sustainable vessels that would enhance passenger experience and reduce travel time.
“With Omieko, we are strengthening the blue economy by providing modern jetties, safe terminals, and eco-friendly vessels,” Emmanuel explained. “This project will make water travel faster, safer, and more attractive to commuters.”
Blacktalker reports that the project which is being implemented by the Lagos State Waterways Authority, LASWA and supported through €410 million in funding under the Global Gateway Initiative is aimed at improving water transportation across Lagos State.
The Omi Eko project is set to introduce many things, including: new fleet of 78 high-capacity electric ferries (between 50-200 passenger capacity), modern terminals and floating jetties (upgrade + new ones), dredging and channel works to open/stabilise routes (140 km; 15 routes), digital ticketing and smart terminals for faster boarding, and stronger safety, regulation & capacity building with LASWA oversight.