Sanwo-Olu launches 410m euro project to ease gridlock
Lagos governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has launched the 410 million euro Omi Eko Water Transport Project. It is a major initiative aimed at decongesting Lagos roads by unlocking the state’s underutilised waterways.
The project, backed by the European Union and private sector partners, is set to begin this month.
Omi Eko, meaning “Lagos Waters,” will establish over 15 ferry routes, deliver 25 high-capacity ferries, upgrade existing jetties, and introduce a central control and command centre to enhance safety and coordination on the inland waterways.
Speaking at the project signing in Lagos, Sanwo-Olu said: “This is more than a transport solution—it is a transformational project. For decades, our roads have carried more than they were designed for, and the consequences are clear: gridlock, lost productivity, and environmental pollution. With Omi Eko, we are opening up the blue corridors of Lagos and bringing relief to our people.”
Sanwo-Olu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to delivering the project on schedule and ensuring value for money, emphasising the strategic role of waterways in the state’s long-term mobility plan.
“Lagos has over 22 per cent of its landmass covered by water. It is only sensible to fully exploit this God-given asset to connect communities, boost commerce, and reduce dependence on road transport,” he said.
The financing model is structured as a Public-Private Partnership (PPP), combining €190 million in private investment with €220 million in grants and concessional loans from the European Union and affiliated development institutions.
EU Ambassador to Nigeria, Samuela Isopi described the project as “a milestone in the EU’s commitment to sustainable development and urban resilience in Africa.”
Phase One of the project will focus on priority corridors including Ikorodu-Marina, Badore-Falomo, Ijegun-Ebute Ero, and Ipakodo-CMS. According to state officials, the system is projected to serve over 1.5 million commuters monthly and reduce road congestion significantly.
Managing Director of the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA), Damilola Emmanuel noted that the project was designed with safety, efficiency, and sustainability in mind.
