… targets 70 hybrid electric ferries in 5 years
In a bold move to redefine the future of urban mobility and sustainable transport in Lagos, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has officially unveiled the Omi Eko Project, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at transforming the state’s water transport infrastructure.
Derived from the Yoruba phrase for “Water of Lagos”, the Omi Eko Project represents a historic leap towards building a modern, smart, and environmentally sustainable water-based transportation system.
Set to be the largest inland waterways investment in Africa, the $410 million project will, by 2030, deliver over 70 hybrid-electric ferries, 20 upgraded jetties and terminals, and 15 newly dredged and channelised routes. This initiative forms a central pillar of the Lagos State Government’s integrated transport strategy, which seamlessly connects the road, rail, and water systems to ease congestion, enhance mobility, and reduce the city’s carbon footprint.
Speaking at the unveiling, Governor Sanwo-Olu described the project as a transformative step in creating a “water-based economy that works for all” — operators, passengers, private investors, and citizens alike. He emphasised that by unlocking the economic potential of Lagos’s vast network of waterways, the state is not only addressing chronic traffic congestion but also embracing cleaner and smarter transportation solutions for the future.
“This is more than infrastructure; this is a legacy. We are building a transport system that is safe, inclusive, and climate-resilient”, the Governor stated. “With Omi Eko, we are linking communities across waterways, easing pressure on our roads, and unlocking the blue economy in a way that uplifts every Lagosian”.
As part of its innovation-driven approach, Lagos has also established Africa’s first Water Waste Monitoring and Data Centre, providing real-time visibility into commuter operations and ensuring enhanced safety across all water routes. The State recently demonstrated its commitment to clean energy with the successful hosting of Africa’s first electric powerboat race, further signaling Lagos’s emergence as a regional leader in sustainable transport innovation.
Delivering further insights into the project, Mr. Damilola Emmanuel, Special Adviser to the Governor on Blue Economy and General Manager of the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA), underscored the significance of this milestone. He traced the evolution of water transportation in Lagos from its early reforms under former Governor Babatunde Fashola to its current renaissance under Sanwo-Olu’s leadership, crediting the administration with “bringing life to the master plan and turning vision into reality”.
According to Emmanuel, the Omi Eko initiative is poised to reshape how Lagos moves by water. The 70 hybrid-electric vessels will not only enhance efficiency but will also drastically reduce emissions. These vessels will be managed by private sector operators under a regulated framework, ensuring high standards of service delivery. The project also includes large-scale capacity-building programmes for local operators, further cementing the role of water transport in job creation and economic inclusion.
Beyond the operational elements, the initiative enjoys robust international support, with backing from institutions such as the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the European Union (EU). Both entities are strategic partners in the development of Omi Eko, aligning with their broader goals for green urban mobility and climate-resilient infrastructure across Africa.
Mr. Gautier Mignot, EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, highlighted the significance of the project within the broader Abidjan–Lagos Corridor, which forms part of the EU’s Global Gateway Strategy. “Africa is home to some of the fastest-growing cities, and Lagos is at the heart of this growth,” Mignot remarked. “With Omi Eko, we are seeing a truly scalable model of urban transport that can deliver real impact — reducing CO2 emissions by 41,000 tons annually and saving over three hours of peak-hour travel time for up to 25 million passengers each year. This is what sustainable development looks like in action”.
Echoing the sentiment, French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Mr. Jean-Noël Barrot, lauded the project as a flagship outcome of the France–Nigeria partnership. “With rising sea levels and growing urban pressures, projects like Omi Eko and the deployment of electric ferries are not only timely but necessary. They are proof that innovation, climate action, and urban development can go hand-in-hand”.
At the legislative level, the project has also garnered support from the Lagos State House of Assembly, with Hon. Temitope Adewale, Chairman of the Committee on Transportation, affirming the Assembly’s commitment to the success of Omi Eko. “To the residents and commuters of Lagos: this project is yours. It is your future, your mobility, and your city. As lawmakers, we will continue to ensure that the vision of Omi Eko is protected and advanced through robust legislation”, Adewale said.
As the city of Lagos embarks on this ambitious journey to harness its natural waterways for modern transportation, the Omi Eko Project is being hailed as a blueprint for the rest of Africa — a forward-thinking, environmentally responsible initiative that redefines what is possible when governments, international partners, and communities work together.
“This is no longer a dream. “We are living the dream. As Lagos learns to move with its waters, it will discover the rhythms of its prosperity. The journey has just begun, and the future lies in the blue economy”, Emmanuel said further.