Babajide Sanwo-Olu, governor of Lagos, has launched the “Omi
Eko” project, an initiative designed to transform water transportation and
advance the state’s blue economy.
Speaking on Friday at the unveiling of 78 electric ferries
for the ‘Omi Eko’ project, Sanwo-Olu 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’.
The governor 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.”
He 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.”
Sanwo-Olu said “Omi Eko” complements his THEMES Plus agenda,
which integrates rail and road expansion to create a balanced, multimodal
transport system.
He 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.
‘YOUNGER LEADERS ARE PROVING THEIR WORTH’
Babatunde Fashola, former governor of Lagos, commended
Sanwo-Olu for sustaining the state’s vision of an integrated transport system
that connects roads, rail, and waterways.
Fashola said the project shows that younger leaders, when
given the opportunity, can deliver transformative governance outcomes.
“What we are witnessing today is the continuation of a
journey that started decades ago — a journey of service and mentorship,”
Fashola said.
“Young people like Damilola Emmanuel (LASWA MD), who have
been entrusted with public responsibility, have shown commitment and
competence.
“I must commend the governor and his team for deepening the
intermodal transport system of Lagos.”
He praised the partnership between Lagos and the French
Development Agency (AFD), noting that the collaboration reflects long-standing
trust and results-orientated cooperation.
“For those who ask why we always engage French partners, it
is because when they commit, they deliver — and this project is another
testament to that partnership,” Fashola said.
AFD, EU COMMIT FUNDS
The project, being implemented by the Lagos State Waterwahys
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).
Jean-Noël Barrot, France’s minister for Europe and foreign
affairs, 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.
Gautier Mignot, the EU ambassador to Nigeria, 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.
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