Lagos sails Omi Eko ferry project with EU aid
Lagos State has partnered with European institutions to overhaul its water transport system through the Omi Eko Project. The French Development Agency committed 130 million euros, the European Investment Bank provided 170 million euros, and the European Union contributed 60 million euros in grants. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu said the initiative represents a transformation of infrastructure and lives across the city.
The program will establish 15 ferry routes covering 140 kilometers and connect 25 terminals. Authorities plan to deploy 75 electric vessels that can transport up to 440 passengers each. French Minister Jean-Noel Barrot described the effort as positioning Nigeria at the forefront of sustainable mobility solutions. The Lagos State Waterways Authority expects the system to increase water transport use from one percent to five percent of daily trips while reducing commute times by two hours on major corridors.
