Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, recently unveiled the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) OMI-EKO Project, a monumental initiative poised to transform water transportation within the state and position Lagos as a continental leader in sustainable urban mobility. Speaking at the launch on Friday, Governor Sanwo-Olu declared that Lagos is set to lead Africa in fostering a sustainable, connected, and forward-thinking water transportation ecosystem, emphasizing that for centuries, water has been integral to the rhythm of Lagos, from ancestral trade canoes to modern ferries.

The OMI-EKO Project is not merely a project unveiling but a bold statement of intent, signaling Lagos’s commitment to forging a new chapter in its history. Governor Sanwo-Olu acknowledged the pervasive issue of traffic congestion in Lagos but reminded attendees that the city's origins lie in its network of islands, historically connected by water. He highlighted that his administration, under the THEMES+ Agenda, strategically recognized water transportation as a critical lever for urban mobility transformation.

Significant foundational steps have been undertaken to pave the way for this leap. These include the expansion of the Omi-Bus fleet with modern, safe, and efficient ferries designed to alleviate road pressure. Lagos has also established West Africa's first Waterways Monitoring and Data Centre, enhancing real-time visibility and safety. Furthermore, waterways security personnel have been substantially increased from 40 to over 100 trained officers, boosting public confidence. Just weeks prior to the OMI-EKO launch, Lagos hosted Africa's inaugural Electric Powerboat Race, the E1 Series, demonstrating the state's embrace of clean innovation and ambition.

The OMI-EKO Project itself is a comprehensive, future-oriented blueprint for sustainable mobility, meticulously merging cutting-edge technology, stringent environmental stewardship, and smart design principles to create waterways that are not merely navigated but optimized. This approach is aligned with global efforts by cities to address the dual challenges of urban population growth and climate change. Governor Sanwo-Olu asserted that Lagos is not merely striving to catch up but is actively setting the pace, aiming for seamless movement, cleaner air, and the transformation of waterways from perceived barriers into dynamic corridors of opportunity.

With the implementation of OMI-EKO, the state government anticipates uplifting not only modes of transport but also the lives, businesses, and communities across Lagos. A key component of the project involves the establishment of sustainable inland waterways transport, supported by the acquisition of over 75 electric-powered vessels, among other initiatives. This represents a significant stride towards reducing carbon emissions and offering an eco-friendly alternative to road commuting.

Various stakeholders voiced their support and commendation for the initiative. Mr. Damilola Emmanuel, Special Adviser on Blue Economy to Governor Sanwo-Olu, lauded the sustained investment in water transport by previous Lagos governors and praised Governor Sanwo-Olu for elevating this commitment to a level that promises a complete overhaul of water transportation in the state. Former Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, commended the governor's dedication to sustainable development and advocated for stronger connectivity between the waterways initiative and existing rail and road transport networks. Additionally, the Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Oluwaseun Osiyemi, emphasized that the project will significantly reduce travel time, ease road traffic, and provide residents with a reliable, eco-friendly commuting option.

In essence, the OMI-EKO Project stands as a testament to Lagos's vision for a future where its waterways are not just geographical features but vital arteries of economic activity and sustainable living, solidifying its role as a trailblazer in Africa's urban transition.