Lagos, Nigeria’s busiest megacity, is set to launch the ambitious Omi Eko water transport project in October 2025, unveiling an eco-conscious fleet of 78 large-capacity electric ferries and state-of-the-art terminals, officials say. This initiative, backed by the European Union, French Development Agency (AFD), and European Investment Bank (EIB), marks the beginning of an integrated inland waterways system from 2025 to 2030.
The €410 million (about ₦430 billion) infrastructure includes the dredging and navigation of 15 ferry routes, the upgrade or construction of 25 modern terminals—each equipped with charging stations, digital ticketing (via Cowry Card), waiting areas, parking, and safety features. The eco-friendly electric ferries are set to significantly reduce air and water pollution.
Under a Public–Private Partnership (PPP) model, Lagos State will contribute €40 million, with €360 million financed mainly through the Global Gateway Initiative, and an additional €10 million from private investors.
Once operational, the system is projected to serve over 1.5 million commuters monthly, offering a seamless alternative to road travel, easing congestion, and boosting urban mobility. Lagosian Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu described Omi Eko as more than transport—it’s a strategic transformation of Lagos’s waterways into a “blue corridor.”
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