This assurance came during a courtesy visit by officials of the Lagos State Government and AFD to the palace of HRH Oba Afeez Oriyomi Adaran Shittu (Adeyemi I), the Agbojojoye of Ibasa, Ijegun, Egba, Oguntedo, and Satellite Town in Oriade LCDA. The engagement was part of the government’s community sensitization efforts ahead of the full implementation of the ambitious waterways development project.
The Omi Eko Project, a €410 million initiative jointly funded by the Lagos State Government, AFD, European Union (EU), and the European Investment Bank (EIB), seeks to transform Lagos’ inland waterways into a modern, efficient, and environmentally friendly transport network. The project will introduce clean-energy ferries, build and upgrade modern jetties, and create a robust alternative to road transport in the state’s growing urban landscape.
Speaking during the visit, Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Oluwaseun Osiyemi, emphasized that the initiative goes beyond infrastructure development—it is designed to directly benefit local communities.
“The essence of this project is to develop the waterways while ensuring that communities benefit through improved facilities, electric ferries, and better connectivity,” Osiyemi said. “It’s also an opportunity for us to transition from fossil fuels to clean energy, which aligns with the state’s sustainability goals.”
The Commissioner highlighted that inclusivity is central to the project’s design and execution. According to him, the involvement of host communities is vital for the project’s success.
“Communities will be part and parcel of this development because, without them, we cannot run it effectively. There will be extensive stakeholder engagement and training to help residents understand how to manage and maintain the new assets,” he noted.
Reassuring residents that their livelihoods would not be displaced, Osiyemi explained that the Omi Eko Project would instead enhance local economies by opening up new business and employment opportunities.
“This project will not take away jobs; it will create more. Efficient water transport brings increased commercial activity, and we expect this to translate into growth for local businesses,” he added.
Sandra Kassab, Director of the Africa Department at the French Development Agency (AFD), has highlighted the significance of the Omi Eko project, a new initiative developed in partnership with the Lagos State Government and the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA).
“We launched an important project together with the Lagos State Government and LASWA. This project, called Omi Eko, is dedicated to providing new and efficient transport solutions through the waterways for Lagosians,” Kassab said.
Speaking during a visit to communities around the project area, Kassab explained that the Lagos and AFD teams were meeting with community leaders and youth organizations to brief them on the initiative ahead of its commencement.
“We wanted to visit the communities that will benefit from this important project starting next year—to listen to their expectations, understand their needs, and address any concerns they might have,” she added.
On the financing structure, Kassab disclosed that AFD’s contribution would come in the form of a sovereign loan of up to €130 million to the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which will be on-lent to Lagos State. The European Investment Bank (EIB) will co-finance the project with an additional €170 million credit facility, while the European Union (EU), under its Global Gateway initiative, will provide a €60 million grant to fund the electric charging infrastructure for the e-vessels.
According to Kassab, the key components of the Omi Eko project include the development of 15 priority ferry routes covering 140 kilometers, the deployment of 75 hybrid-electric ferries to reduce emissions and promote cleaner mobility, and the construction of 25 modern ferry terminals and jetties equipped with electric charging facilities. The initiative is expected to create thousands of jobs, stimulate economic growth, improve air quality, and reduce carbon emissions by an estimated 41,000 tons annually.
Highlighting the expected outcomes, Kassab noted that the project aims to serve about 100,000 public transport users daily on the designated inland water transport routes once operations commence. Other projected benefits include a three-hour reduction in travel time during peak periods on major Omi Eko routes, zero boat accidents, a 35% solar energy contribution to e-vessel power consumption, and an upgraded policy and regulatory framework through the implementation of a Vessel Industry Transition Program (VITP) for the paratransit sector.
“The Omi Eko project will not only transform water transport in Lagos but also contribute significantly to economic development, environmental sustainability, and improved quality of life for residents,” Kassab concluded.
He urged the government to ensure that the development remains mutually beneficial, safeguarding local livelihoods while delivering long-term opportunities for residents.
“We believe that communities in riverine areas should be among the foremost beneficiaries of the blue economy,” Idowu said. “Today, we are pleased that the Ibasa–Ijegun community will share in the benefits of this initiative through the Omi Eko project.”
Reiterating the project’s scope, AFD representatives explained that the Omi Eko project will introduce 15 structured ferry routes covering 140 kilometers, connecting 25 upgraded and newly built ferry terminals across Lagos. As part of the initiative, 75 state-of-the-art electric vessels, each with a capacity of up to 440 passengers, will be deployed—significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving air and water quality.
A flagship component of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s THEMES+ Agenda, the Omi Eko project aims to increase the share of water transport from 1% to 5% of daily commuting in Lagos. The system is expected to save commuters up to two hours per day on major routes, easing traffic congestion, enhancing productivity, and improving quality of life across the city.
As implementation progresses, residents will begin to see construction and rehabilitation works across multiple locations, laying the groundwork for a cleaner, safer, and more efficient transport system.
Ultimately, Omi Eko is set to transform the face of urban mobility in Lagos, positioning the city as a model for sustainable water transportation in West Africa and beyond.
The visit underscored the government’s determination to carry communities along at every stage of implementation—ensuring that the Omi Eko Project becomes not only a transportation success but also a model of inclusive urban development in Lagos.