Lagos, AFD, EU Partners Launch €360m Omi Eko to Modernise Water Transport

The Lagos State Government, with support from the French Development Agency (AFD), European Union (EU), and European Investment Bank (EIB) has launched the Omi Eko Project—an initiative designed to restructure, upscale, and modernise the city’s waterways sector.

Describing the project as transformative, the Lagos State Government said it will establish an organised, efficient, and affordable ferry system that enhances connectivity and improves the daily lives of residents in the state.

Implemented by the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA), the project is supported technically and financially by a consortium of European partners led by the French Development Agency (AFD) with a loan of 130 million euros, and jointly supported by the European Investment Bank (EIB) with a loan of 170 million euros, and the EU with a grant of 60 million euros.

According to the government, Omi Eko stands as a testament to the strong partnership between Lagos and Europe and complements AFD’s ongoing cooperation with LAMATA on sustainable land-based urban mobility.

The Omi Eko Project will introduce 15 structured ferry routes, spanning 140 kilometers and linking 25 upgraded and expanded ferry terminals across the city. As part of the initiative, 75 state-of-the-art electric vessels—each capable of carrying up to 440 passengers—will be procured. These vessels will significantly cut greenhouse gas emissions while drastically reducing air and water pollution.

The project’s launch is expected to kicksart a transformation in urban mobility for Lagos, where the existing water transport system will be entirely modernised—replacing the current fleet of small, noisy, and irregular boats with safe, comfortable, and environmentally friendly ferries operating on a fixed and reliable timetable.

“Safety is at the core of the new system, which will be fully integrated with the existing public transport network managed by LAMATA. Commuters will enjoy seamless ticketing through the Cowry Card, and convenient connections between modes—including Metro, BRT, and last-mile buses.

“A flagship component of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s THEMES+ Agenda, Omi Eko aims to increase the share of water transport from 1% to 5% of daily mobility in Lagos, while saving commuters up to two hours per day on major routes. The resulting reduction in road congestion will enhance mobility, productivity, and overall quality of life—unlocking new social and economic opportunities across the State”, the government said.

It pointed out that as implementation progresses, residents will witness construction and rehabilitation works across the city—laying the foundation for a cleaner, safer, and more efficient transport system, adding that Omi Eko will not only reshape Lagos but also position the city as a model of sustainable water transport for West Africa and beyond.

Commenting on the project, Governor Sanwo-Olu said: “This project is not merely about infrastructure; it is about transformation of lives, of livelihoods, and of Lagos itself. It speaks to who we are as a people bold in ambition, relentless in innovation, and united by a shared determination to build a Lagos that works for all”

On his part, Jean-Noël Barrot, Minister of France for Europe and Foreign Affairs stated: “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”.

Also speaking, Gautier Mignot, Ambassador of the European Union in Nigeria said: “Nigeria and Lagos are spearheading the execution of Global Gateway projects, showing the way as to the level of ambition which can be achieved both in terms of size and sustainability. 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.”

Similarly, Rodger Stuart, EIB regional director commented on the importance of the project: “The EIB is extremely pleased to support such an impactful project for the 23 million citizens of Lagos, by reinforcing mobility and connectivity while at the same time reducing the city’s air and water pollution. This innovative and ambitious project reflects a concrete demonstration of the EIB’s commitment to the Global Gateway strategy in West Africa.”