Sanwo-Olu Unveils €410m Omi-Eko Project to Transform Lagos Water Transport

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Friday unveiled the Omi-Eko Project, a multi-billion-naira initiative designed to revolutionise water transportation in Lagos State and ease the city’s chronic road congestion.

Speaking at the official launch held at the Five Cowries Terminal, the governor described the project as “a new chapter in Lagos history” — one that redefines the state’s relationship with its waterways through innovation, sustainability, and inclusivity.

Sanwo-Olu said Lagos, long defined by its lagoon and creeks, is “choosing to create history anew” by returning to its aquatic roots. “From congested roads to blue highways, every Lagosian knows the frustration of traffic,” he noted. “With Omi Eko, we are lifting not only boats — we are lifting lives, businesses, and communities.”

The Omi-Eko Project, estimated at ₦750 billion (€410 million), is being jointly funded by the European Union (EU), French Development Agency (AFD), and the European Investment Bank (EIB) under the “Team Europe” partnership. The initiative will deliver a modern, integrated water transport system featuring 78 high-capacity electric ferries, 25 upgraded terminals, and new infrastructure designed to ensure safety and accessibility for all users.

In his keynote address, Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, said the project marked a pivotal step in Lagos’s integrated transport masterplan.

“Today, we are not merely launching a project; we are launching a new chapter in the Lagos transportation story — a story of innovation, resilience, and sustainability,” Osiyemi said.

He outlined the Sanwo-Olu administration’s achievements across all transport sectors, including the expansion of the BRT network, the completion of the Lagos Blue Line, and progress on the Red Line Rail.

“With Omi-Eko, we are unlocking the full potential of our inland waterways — bringing the final piece of our Lagos Modal Transportation System to life,” he said