By Seun Ibiyemi
The Lagos State Government has unveiled the Omi Eko initiative, a massive €410 million water transportation project aimed at reducing traffic congestion, modernising ferry operations and transforming urban mobility across Lagos.
The project, being implemented by the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA), is regarded as one of the biggest investments in water transportation infrastructure in Africa.
It is backed by international development partners including the French Development Agency, the European Union and the European Investment Bank.
Under the financing structure, the European Union is providing a €60 million grant, while the French Development Agency and the European Investment Bank are contributing subsidised loans of €130 million and €170 million respectively.
The Lagos State Government is expected to provide counterpart funding, alongside private sector participation.
The Omi Eko project is designed to run between 2024 and 2030 and will focus on restructuring Lagos’ largely informal water transport sector into a regulated, integrated and environmentally sustainable mobility system.
According to project details released by LASWA, the initiative will establish 15 structured ferry routes covering approximately 140 kilometres of waterways across Lagos.
It will also involve the construction and rehabilitation of 25 ferry terminals and jetties aimed at improving passenger connectivity between different parts of the state.
One of the most ambitious aspects of the programme is the planned deployment of 75 electric ferries, with some reports indicating up to 78 vessels, each capable of transporting as many as 440 passengers per trip.
The ferries are expected to significantly reduce carbon emissions, water pollution and dependence on fossil fuel-powered boats currently operating on Lagos waterways.
The state government estimates that the project will move about 25 million passengers annually when fully operational, helping to reduce pressure on Lagos roads, where commuters often spend several hours daily in traffic. Authorities also project that commuters could save up to two hours daily on major transport corridors through improved ferry services.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu described the initiative as a transformative project that would redefine transportation in Lagos and position the state as a model for sustainable urban mobility in Africa.
The Omi Eko initiative is also expected to integrate seamlessly with the state’s broader transportation network, including Bus Rapid Transit services and the Lagos Rail Mass Transit system through the Cowry Card payment platform. Analysts say such integration could help Lagos move closer to achieving a truly multimodal transportation system.
Beyond transportation, experts believe the initiative could stimulate economic activities around waterfront communities, create jobs in marine services and encourage private investment in tourism and real estate development along Lagos waterways.
However, stakeholders insist that safety and maintenance will determine the long-term success of the project.
READ ALSO:Nigeria’s debt burden still high despite “statistical improvements” — NESG flags fiscal strain
Lagos waterways have witnessed several boat accidents in recent years, raising concerns over operator standards, enforcement and emergency response systems.
Transport analysts also warn that affordability will be critical. While the project promises modern infrastructure and cleaner transportation, residents will expect ferry fares to remain competitive with road transport if water commuting is to gain widespread acceptance.
Still, many urban planners see the initiative as a strategic response to Lagos’ worsening congestion crisis. With road infrastructure increasingly overstretched by a rapidly growing population, the state appears to be turning to its waterways as a viable alternative for sustainable urban transportation.
If fully implemented as planned, Omi Eko could fundamentally reshape commuting patterns in Lagos and establish water transport as a major pillar of the state’s economic and urban development strategy.
