Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has officially launched the €410 million Omi Eko project, a groundbreaking initiative set to transform transportation in Africa’s busiest city. In collaboration with the European Union (EU) and Agence Française de Développement (AFD), this massive investment aims to modernize Lagos’s waterways with 75 electric ferries, 25 terminals, and 140 kilometers of routes, drastically cutting road congestion and pollution.
Unveiled on October 17, 2025, the Omi Eko project is a cornerstone of Lagos’s sustainable mobility master plan. By introducing hybrid electric-powered vessels, the initiative will provide cleaner, faster alternatives to road travel—an essential relief for millions of commuters trapped daily in traffic gridlock.
Governor Sanwo-Olu described the project as “a vital step toward a cleaner, smarter Lagos,” emphasizing its potential to strengthen economic activity and boost tourism along the state’s waterways. “This initiative will provide a cleaner, faster alternative to road travel and position Lagos as a leader in sustainable urban development across Africa,” he said.
The rollout includes state-of-the-art terminals featuring electric charging docks, improved passenger flow systems, and enhanced safety measures. Early phases will link key routes between Ikorodu, Lekki, Victoria Island, and Apapa, with full operations projected for 2026.
Funded under EU-AFD’s Sustainable Urban Mobility Program, Omi Eko aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by promoting green infrastructure, reducing emissions, and improving access to affordable transport.
Beyond easing congestion, the project promises significant socio-economic impact—creating jobs in construction, engineering, logistics, and waterway maintenance, while encouraging private sector investment in clean energy and technology.
As Lagos charts a new course toward a smart, sustainable future, the Omi Eko project stands as a bold statement of intent: innovation, inclusion, and environmental responsibility can coexist on the path to urban progress.
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