By Amina Ojelabi
The Lagos State Government has officially launched the ₦410 million Omi Eko Project, marking a bold step toward transforming the state’s waterways into a world-class, environmentally sustainable transportation network.
The launch, held at the Five Cowries Terminal, Falomo, brought together top government officials, international partners, and members of the diplomatic community, including France’s Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Mr. Jean-Noël Barrot, who was visiting Lagos for the first time.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu welcomed the French minister and a 17-member European Union (EU) delegation led by the EU Ambassador to Nigeria, commending their continued partnership in Lagos’ development journey.
“Lagos has a magic that draws people back. Once you visit, you’ll always want to return,” the Governor said, extending a warm Lagos welcome to his guests.
Speaking passionately, Governor Sanwo-Olu reflected on Lagos’ historical connection with water and its importance in shaping the state’s identity.
“Our story has always been written on water. Long before bridges connected us, creeks united us. Boats carried our dreams, our goods, and our people,” he said.
“History is not just what we inherit — it’s what we choose to create. Today, we choose to create a new chapter.”
The Omi Eko Project, which translates to “Water of Lagos”, is designed as a comprehensive blueprint for sustainable urban mobility — merging clean technology, smart design, and environmental stewardship to build a connected and inclusive water transport system.
Under the Omi Eko initiative, Lagos will: Deploy over 70 hybrid-electric ferries within the next two years to reduce emissions and promote cleaner mobility.
Upgrade 20 jetties and terminals to meet global standards of safety and comfort.
Dredge and channelize 15 major waterways for faster, safer, and more reliable transport.
Establish a Vessel Industry Transition Fund to support local boat operators.
Implement capacity development programs for operators and stakeholders.
“This is how we build a water-based economy that works for all from operators to passengers, from investors to citizens,” Sanwo-Olu said.
“Water transport will not compete with road or rail; it will complement them and complete our integrated transportation vision.”
The Special Adviser to the lagos State On Blue Econome also the Managing Director of the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) Oluwadamilola Emmanuel Paid tribute to leaders whose contributions have shaped Lagos’ maritime evolution from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who revitalized the waterways, to former Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, who introduced key infrastructure initiatives.
“Governor Sanwo-Olu has transformed ideas into action and brought life to the largest inland waterways investment on this side of the continent,” he said.
He also commended the Commissioner for Transportation, the Special Adviser, and the Lagos Digital Assembly for driving innovation, as well as the 158-member LASWA workforce, whom he described as “the heartbeat of this movement.”
“The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step, and today we’ve taken that step toward a future of prosperity and progress,” he added.
Governor Sanwo-Olu applauded the long-standing collaboration between Lagos and international partners particularly the French Development Agency (AFD), the European Investment Bank (EIB), and the European Union (EU) whose financial and technical support helped bring the Omi Eko vision to life.
“This partnership is not just between governments,” the Governor emphasized.
“It’s between people between Lagosians and our international friends who share our dream of clean mobility and urban renewal.”
He credited Presidents Emmanuel Macron and Bola Ahmed Tinubu for strengthening bilateral cooperation and sustaining the continuity that underpins the project’s success.
In his closing remarks, Governor Sanwo-Olu reaffirmed Lagos’ commitment to leading Africa’s clean mobility revolution through innovation, inclusion, and sustainability.
“The Omi Eko Project is not just a project — it’s a bold statement that Lagos will lead Africa in building a sustainable, connected, and forward-thinking water transportation ecosystem,” he declared.
“A rising tide lifts all boats. But here in Lagos, it will lift lives, lift businesses, and lift generations to come.”
With the deployment of electric ferries within the next two years, the Omi Eko Project stands as a testament to visionary leadership, international partnership, and Lagos’ determination to move with its waters toward a cleaner, smarter, and more prosperous future.
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