The Lagos State Government has commenced implementation of the €410 million Omi-Eko waterways project, an ambitious transport initiative expected to improve mobility for more than 540,000 residents living in waterfront communities.
The project is designed to establish a modern, integrated inland water transport network that connects waterfront communities with other parts of Lagos while easing pressure on the state’s congested road network.
The five-year programme will develop 15 structured ferry routes, dredge about 140 kilometres of waterways and upgrade 25 ferry terminals. It will also introduce a fleet of modern electric ferries, with the vessels expected to support cleaner and more efficient transportation across the state.
The financing package involves the European Investment Bank, Agence Française de Développement, the European Union and Lagos State Government. The EIB is providing €170 million, AFD €130 million, while the EU is contributing a €60 million grant, alongside state and private-sector funding.
Lagos officials said the project is intended to improve access to jobs, markets and other economic opportunities for waterfront communities while reducing travel times and pressure on roads.
The initiative also forms part of the state’s wider effort to develop a multimodal transport system linking waterways with road and rail networks.
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