In a bold stride towards reshaping Lagos State’s transportation landscape, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Friday officially launched the “Omi Eko” project, a major initiative aimed at modernising and expanding the state’s water transport system.
Described by the governor as a “visionary leap” into a sustainable future, the project is set to transform the city’s vast waterways into a critical component of its intermodal transportation network, complementing ongoing road and rail infrastructure development.
At the unveiling ceremony in Lagos, Sanwo-Olu emphasised that the “Omi Eko” initiative which translates to Lagos Water, represents more than just infrastructure.
“Our story as Lagosians has always been written on water. Today, we are not just launching a project; we are unveiling a vision to redefine urban mobility and environmental responsibility, ” he said.
The Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) will spearhead the implementation of the initiative, which includes the deployment of 78 electric-powered, high-capacity ferries equipped with digital ticketing systems, intelligent terminals, and enhanced safety features.
“This is about reimagining our waterways not as obstacles, but as corridors of opportunity,” Sanwo-Olu said, reinforcing his administration’s commitment to the THEMES Plus agenda, which focuses on traffic management and transportation, among other pillars.
The governor noted that the project is part of a broader effort to build a blue economy, using smart technology, clean energy, and sustainable practices to drive urban development.
“Water is not just life, it’s our identity. It nourishes us and connects our communities. With ‘Omi Eko’, we are transforming it into a channel of shared prosperity, ” he said.
Sanwo-Olu also highlighted the progress already made in recent years to strengthen the state’s water transport infrastructure, including the expansion of its ferry fleet, improved security on the waterways, and the launch of Africa’s first Waterways Monitoring and Data Centre.
He pointed to Lagos’ recent hosting of Africa’s first electric boat race the Iwanzu Series as further evidence of the state’s growing leadership in clean maritime technology.
Also speaking at the event, former Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola praised the Sanwo-Olu administration for sustaining the vision of an integrated transport system.
He described the “Omi Eko” project as evidence of the transformative power of responsible leadership and mentorship.
“This is the continuation of a journey that began decades ago,” Fashola remarked.
“What we are seeing today reflects the trust placed in young and competent leaders who have shown their ability to deliver.”
He commended Damilola Emmanuel, LASWA’s Managing Director and the Governor’s Special Adviser on the Blue Economy, for his role in bringing the project to life, and acknowledged the support of international partners such as the French Development Agency.
“When our French partners commit, they deliver,” Fashola said, calling the collaboration a testament to enduring ties between Lagos and France in the area of infrastructure development.
In his remarks, Emmanuel said the “Omi Eko” project marked a pivotal moment in the city’s quest to build a resilient, innovative, and eco-friendly transport system.
“We are setting a new standard not only for Lagos but for coastal cities across Africa.This is a model of sustainable mobility and economic transformation, ” he said.
As Lagos pushes forward with its intermodal transportation agenda, the “Omi Eko” initiative stands as a major step in redefining how the city moves not just across land, but also across its once-underutilised waterways.
