Sanwo-Olu, EU Greenlight €410M ‘Omi Eko’ Waterways Project

🚤Big News for Lagos: Sanwo-Olu and EU Greenlight €410M ‘Omi Eko’ Waterways Project

Lagos is set to make waves—literally! 

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has just secured the European Union’s official support for a major infrastructure project that could change how millions of Lagosians move across the city.

On Thursday, Governor Sanwo-Olu met with EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Mr. Gautier Mignot, at the State House in Marina to seal plans for the launch of ‘Omi Eko’—a bold €410 million project designed to transform Lagos’ inland waterways into a state-of-the-art transport system.

The European Union, EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Mr. Gautier Mignot (left) with Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu during a courtesy visit at the government house in Marina, Lagos, on Thursday, May 29, 2025. 

🌊 What is the ‘Omi Eko’ Project?

Think of it as Lagos’ future floating highway.

The project will:

- Introduce new ferry terminals and stations

- Deploy electric-powered, high-capacity boats

- Enhance safety and surveillance across the waterways

- Offer a cleaner, faster alternative to road transport

- Strengthen Lagos’ position as a hub for innovation and sustainable mobility

The initiative is backed by a mix of public and private investment, with key partners including the European Union, French Development Agency (AFD), European Investment Bank (EIB), and of course, the Lagos State Government.

L-R: Head of Cooperation, European Union, EU delegation, Massimo De Luca; President, European Business Chamber, Nigeria (Eurocham), Yann Gilbert; EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot; Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Eurocham board members, Andreas Voss; Executive Secretary, Laura Mensah-Oniru and Olakunle Olusanya during a courtesy visit at the government House in Marina, Lagos, on Thursday, May 29, 2025.

⏳ When Does It All Begin?

The great news? It’s happening soon.

Feasibility studies are complete, and Governor Sanwo-Olu confirmed that construction will begin in June 2025.

“We’re expanding our transport network to give residents quicker, more efficient options. Omi Eko will be a legacy project for Lagos,” the Governor said.

He also urged all partners to ensure that funds and materials are mobilized early to keep things on schedule.

🤝 More Than Just Transport: A Stronger Lagos-EU Relationship

This isn’t just about ferries and terminals. It’s a big step forward in Lagos’ economic relationship with the EU.

Ambassador Mignot called it “good news” for investors and confirmed that the groundbreaking ceremony would happen in late June, with the French Ambassador joining in.

“We’re ready to sign the deals and start work. This is a landmark investment for the EU in Lagos,” Mignot said.

He also hinted at more EU involvement in Lagos' tech scene, highlighting German agency GIZ’s active role.

🛡️ What’s Next for Lagos?

Governor Sanwo-Olu emphasized that Lagos is committed to protecting and growing investment opportunities. He welcomed the EU’s broader interest in the city—from finance to technology—and said more partnerships are on the horizon.

The European Union, EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot (left) with the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu during a courtesy visit at the government house in Marina, Lagos, on Thursday, May 29, 2025. 

“We want to leave behind a smarter, more connected Lagos—and ‘Omi Eko’ is a major step in that direction.”

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Stay tuned for updates as this exciting project gets underway. The future of transport in Lagos just got a lot more exciting—and a lot more electric. ⚡🌍