Governor Sanwo-Olu Unveils Omi Eko Project in Lagos With 78 Electric Ferries

Governor Sanwo-Olu has unveiled the Omi Eko Project in Lagos with 78 electric ferries.

Eko Hot News reports that the governor of Lagos state, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has launched the “Omi Eko” project, an initiative designed to transform water transportation and advance the state’s blue economy.

Governor Sanwo-Olu, who spoke at the unveiling of 78 electric ferries for the ‘Omi Eko’ project on Friday, said the initiative marked a new chapter in Lagos’ transport story, underscoring his administration’s commitment to sustainable and modern urban mobility.

‘Omi Eko’ is a Yoruba phrase that can be loosely translated as ‘the water of Lagos’.

He described the project as a bold declaration of Lagos’ resolve to build an efficient, affordable, and environmentally responsible ferry system.

“Our story as Lagosians has always been written on water,” Sanwo-Olu said.

“But history is not just what we inherit; it is also what we choose to create. Today, we are launching not just a project but a vision to redefine urban movement.”

The governor said the initiative reflects innovation and resilience, combining technology, smart design, and environmental consciousness to optimise the city’s waterways.

“Our goal is simple but profound — to make movement seamless, to make the air cleaner, and to transform our waterways into channels of prosperity,” the Lagos governor said.

“Water is life, water is connectivity, and water is the soul of Lagos. It nourishes us, shapes our identity, and carries us into the future.”

The governor said “Omi Eko” complements his THEMES Plus agenda, which integrates rail and road expansion to create a balanced, multimodal transport system.

Sanwo-Olu added that the government has recently expanded its ferry fleet, strengthened waterway security, and inaugurated Africa’s first Waterways Monitoring and Data Centre to improve efficiency and safety.

Lagos makes history. 🇳🇬🇪🇺
Òmi Èkó is here, bringing cleaner, faster, smarter transport for a connected future.
With €300m in concessional finance and €61m in grants from #TeamEurope partners, Lagos takes a bold leap toward a greener city.#EUinNigeria #GlobalGateway pic.twitter.com/lUHwFrUQT5

— EU in Nigeria 🇪🇺🇳🇬 (@EUinNigeria) October 18, 2025

The project, being implemented by the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA), is backed technically and financially by European partners—including a €130 million loan from the French Development Agency (AFD), a €170 million loan from the European Investment Bank (EIB), and a €60 million grant from the European Union (EU).

French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Jean-Noël Barrot, said the partnership underscores Lagos’ leading role in adopting sustainable and innovative mobility solutions across Africa.

“Through Omi Eko, Nigeria, with the support of France and the EU, is leading the way in putting innovative and sustainable mobility at the service of people’s needs, at the heart of Lagos, Africa’s largest city,” Barrot said.

The EU ambassador to Nigeria, Gautier Mignot, said Lagos is setting a benchmark in the implementation of global gateway projects across the continent.

“Nigeria and Lagos are spearheading the execution of Global Gateway projects, showing the level of ambition that can be achieved both in size and sustainability,” Mignot said.

“As the Lagos–Abidjan corridor remains a key area for Global Gateway intervention, we look forward to expanding sustainable connectivity in the ECOWAS region and beyond.”

The plan will see the deployment of 78 high-capacity electric ferries, digital ticketing systems, intelligent terminals, and enhanced safety facilities.