‘Omi Eko’ project will ease traffic on Lagos roads, says AFD

The Agence Française de Développement (AFD) says the newly launched ‘Omi Eko’ project will provide sustainable transport solutions across Lagos waterways.

The project, launched by Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Lagos governor, on Friday, is an initiative designed to transform water transportation in the state.

‘Omi Eko’ is Yoruba for ‘the water of Lagos’.

Speaking on Saturday during a visit to one of the beneficiary communities, Sandra Kassab, director of the Africa department of the agency, said the initiative, launched in partnership with the Lagos government, aims to improve mobility and reduce congestion by introducing electric ferries and upgraded jetties.

Kassab, who led the tour, was accompanied by officials of the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) and the state government.

She added that the team’s visit to the communities was meant to engage residents who would directly benefit from the project and to address any concerns about its implementation.

“Yesterday, we launched an important project in collaboration with His Excellency, the Governor of Lagos State, and LASWA,” Kassab said.

“The project, known as Omi Eko, is designed to provide new transportation solutions along the inland waterways corridor for Lagos residents.

“Today (Saturday), we wanted to visit the communities that will benefit from this important initiative in the coming years.

“We also wanted to address any concerns they may have about the project, together with the commissioner, and begin explaining what it will entail.”

The project, implemented by LASWA, is backed technically and financially by European partners — including a €130 million loan from the AFD, a €170 million loan from the European Investment Bank (EIB), and a €60 million grant from the European Union (EU).

At the launch on Friday, Jean-Noël Barrot, France’s minister for Europe and foreign affairs, said the partnership underscores Lagos’ leading role in adopting sustainable and innovative mobility solutions across Africa.

Gautier Mignot, the EU ambassador to Nigeria, added that Lagos is setting a benchmark in the implementation of Global Gateway projects across the continent.

The plan will see the deployment of 78 high-capacity electric ferries, digital ticketing systems, intelligent terminals and enhanced safety facilities.

‘LOCALS WON’T LOSE JOBS’

Commenting after the tour, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, Lagos commissioner for transportation, said the ‘Omi Eko’ project will promote community inclusion, as locals would be trained to operate and maintain the assets.

Osiyemi also said the project will create jobs and open up coastal communities across Lagos.

“The beneficiary communities will be part and parcel of the project because, without them, we cannot run it successfully,” he said.

“Efficient transportation opens up business opportunities, and we believe this will translate into greater prosperity for the people.

“No one is going to take your jobs or businesses away, it’s still your business — only remodelled in a modern and urban way.”

He added that the initiative will support Nigeria’s transition from fossil fuels to clean energy while improving connectivity and stimulating economic growth.