Lagos Set to Launch €410m Omi Eko Project to Transform Water Transport
Lagos State Government, under the leadership of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, is set to officially launch the Omi Eko Project on Friday, October 17, 2025, in a move aimed at revolutionising water transportation across the state.
The landmark initiative, spearheaded by the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA), is backed by €410 million in funding under the Global Gateway Initiative, with support from the European Union (EU), the French Development Agency (AFD), and the European Investment Bank (EIB).
According to the state government, the Omi Eko Project is designed to ease traffic congestion, promote sustainable transport, and boost connectivity across Lagos through a modern and efficient ferry system.
Key features of the project include the deployment of 78 new high-capacity electric ferries, each capable of carrying between 50 and 200 passengers, as well as the construction and upgrade of modern ferry terminals and floating jetties across the state.
In addition, the initiative will involve dredging and channel works to open and stabilise about 140 kilometres of waterways, covering 15 major routes.
The project will also introduce digital ticketing systems and smart terminals to enhance boarding efficiency and commuter experience.
To ensure safety and effective service delivery, LASWA will implement stronger regulatory frameworks and capacity-building programmes for operators and stakeholders in the sector.
The Omi Eko Project will be executed in phases over the next six years, positioning Lagos as a model for sustainable urban mobility in Africa.
Governor Sanwo-Olu is expected to officially flag off the project at a ceremony that will attract key stakeholders from the transport, environment, and development sectors.
The initiative aligns with the state’s commitment to expanding multimodal transportation options and achieving a cleaner, greener, and more connected Lagos.
The comprehensive financing package underpinning the Omi Eko Project is a critical indicator of its strategic importance, not only to Lagos but to international partners committed to sustainable development. The €410 million investment, channelled through the EU’s Global Gateway Initiative, represents a substantial commitment to climate action and sustainable urbanisation. This European backing is poised to ensure that the project adheres to the highest international standards for environmental and social responsibility, paving the way for future partnerships that will further integrate Lagos’s transport infrastructure with global best practices and technology.
