The Lagos State government has initiated the €410 million Omi-Eko project to establish a modern, integrated public inland waterways transportation system. This project aims to complement the state's urban mobility system, enhancing connectivity for waterfront communities and expanding access to economic opportunities. According to Special Adviser on Blue Economy to the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Oluwadamilola Emmanuel, the project was designed after a two-year pre-feasibility study conducted with the support of the Agence Française de Développement (AFD).
The Omi-Eko project involves a collaborative effort between the European Investment Bank, AFD, European Union, and Lagos State Government, with financing comprising loans, grants, and counterpart funding. The European Investment Bank will provide €170 million, AFD €130 million, the European Union €60 million grant, and Lagos State Government €40 million. An additional €10 million is expected from private-sector participation, particularly in the ticketing system. This project seeks to address the current transportation challenges faced by the state.
Lagos State currently faces significant transportation challenges, including congestion, rising transport costs, limited road space, environmental concerns, and inadequate connectivity. Water transport can provide alternative corridors and reduce journey times. For instance, the journey from Ikorodu to Falomo, which typically takes over an hour by road, can be completed in about 25 to 30 minutes by water. This project aims to harness the potential of water transportation to alleviate these issues.
The Omi-Eko project will establish 15 structured ferry routes, dredge about 140 kilometres of waterways, upgrade 25 ferry terminals, and provide 78 modern electric ferries. These vessels will carry up to 440 passengers, and the project will also provide passenger facilities, fleet maintenance infrastructure, improved navigation channels, and climate-resilient infrastructure. The project is expected to benefit over 540,000 people living in waterfront communities who depend on water transport for mobility, livelihoods, and economic activities.
To ensure the success of the project, the state is strengthening regulation, safety oversight, ferry terminal development, navigation, professional standards, and stakeholder engagement. Public awareness is also crucial, as some residents remain reluctant to use water transportation due to fear and limited familiarity with waterways. A Vessel Industry Transition Programme is being developed to integrate informal-sector operators into the emerging formal water transportation system.
Safety remains a top priority for the programme, with an emphasis on regulatory enforcement, crew competence, vessel standards, and emergency preparedness. The five-year project is a significant step towards revolutionizing public transportation in Lagos State. When completed, it is expected to improve the quality of life for residents and provide a more efficient and sustainable transportation system.
The project is a collaborative effort between the government and international partners. The Lagos State government's commitment to implementing the Omi-Eko project demonstrates its dedication to improving the state's transportation system. The project's success will depend on effective implementation, public acceptance, and continued investment in the transportation sector.
Key points
- The Lagos State government has launched a €410 million project to establish a modern, integrated public inland waterways transportation system.
- The project will establish 15 structured ferry routes, dredge 140 kilometres of waterways, and provide 78 modern electric ferries.
- The project aims to improve connectivity for waterfront communities and expand access to economic opportunities for over 540,000 people.
