‘Omi Eko’: Lagos Partners Global Investment Agencies To Revolutionize Water Transportation

OLORUNDARE ENIMOLA, Lagos

The Lagos State Waterways Authority, LASWA was on Friday 17, October agog with the launch of ‘Omi Eko’, a strategic mass water transportation project that is set to crystalize Governor Sanwo-Olu’s master plan of upscaling water mobility in the state into global reckoning and ranking.

According to the Governor, ‘Omi Eko’ is not a mere project, but a bold statement that will lead Lagos and Africa in building a sustainable, connected, forward thinking water transportation ecosystem, away from the congested roads leading to traffic bottlenecks.

“Lagos began as a network of islands. It was knitted together by water long before the bridges connected us, connecting us as a people and to our dreams. The waters were used to deliver our goods and people across the lagoon, prompting us to be deliberate about returning to those routes, not nostalgically, but strategically.” Sanwo-Olu said.

The project is expected to gulp a whooping EUR 410m to be sourced via the Global Gateway Initiative, involving; the French Development Agency, AFD, the European Union, EU, and the European Investment Bank, EIB, who will be investing a total of EUR 360 million.

The breakdown includes a EUR 60 million grant contribution from the EU, a EUR 130 million subsidized loan from AFD and a EUR 170 million subsidized loan from EIB.

According to LASWA, the project encompasses two main components: involving the construction of inland waterways transport and associated facilities, including the development of 15 high-quality infrastructure priority ferry routes, the channelization, marking, and dredging of 140 km of ferry routes, comprising 25 ferry terminals and jetties.

The provision of electric charging infrastructure to power e-vessels, depots for routine vessel maintenance, the provision of land connections including road surfacing, and small transport facilities for other transports services connecting to ferry terminals.

The second component will involve establishment of sustainable inland waterways transport operations: covering, the acquisition of 75+ electric-powered vessels, the procurement of Intelligent Transport Systems (ticketing, passenger information system, control room center, vessel tracking system), and the institutional strengthening and capacity-building of LASWA.

The project will also include a vessel industry transition program to manage the existing ferry operators and improve the IWT sector governance and operations.

Speaking further, Governor Sanwo-Olu, said, the THEMES+ agenda of his administration identifies water transportation as a critical means for mass commuting hence the step by step approach to developing it, providing the needed foundation for the great leap.

Adding that security and safety on the waterways have been boosted with proven records of improvement involving well trained, well kited and well motivated personnel, saying, “they are protecting commuters and strengthening public confidence, you will recall that, just two weeks ago, Lagos captured the world by sheer imagination, hosting the first Africa’s electric power boats race – the e1 series on the same five cowrie waterways.

“Each of these milestones was not just an isolated act. They are the building blocks that led to what we are to unveil today – ‘Omi Eko'”. He said.

In his welcome address, Emmanuel Damilola, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Blue Economy, said, “Governor Sanwo-Olu did not just see this vision, but he has expanded it and blown it up entirely. He turned blueprints into master plans and brought life to the largest inland waterways investment on this side of the continent.

“This is a 410 million Omi Eko project. This is no longer a dream anymore. We are now living the dream. Let me pause to appreciate our international partners from AFD to EIB, to EU, and especially recognizing the Minister who is here today, witnessing this momentous occasion.

“Mr. Governor, this is another win under your leadership. So what exactly is the Omi Eko project? We are going to be seeing the influx of over 70 hybrid electric ferries to reduce emissions and boost clean mobility. We are going to be upgrading 20 jetties and terminals. We are going to be dredging and channelizing 15 routes for safer and faster transport capacity development for all stakeholders.” He said.

Mr. Damilola also pointed out that they will be funding the informal sector under the Vessel Industry Transition Program, using it to build a water-based economy that works for all, from operators to passengers, from private investors to the citizens, saying water transport will not compete with road or rail, but to compliment so Lagos can have an integrated transportation system.

Mr. Oluwaseun Osiyemi, the Honourable Commissioner for Transportation, Lagos State, in his speech, declared that the State is not merely launching a project, but a new chapter in its transportation story, a story of innovation, resilience and sustainability, while acknowledging and appreciating Governor Sanwo-Olu for his visionary leadership whom he described as the compass guiding the transformation of the water transportation industry.

In his words, “sir, your steadfast commitment to modernizing Lagos through integrated multimodal transport system has made this milestone possible. We also extend our warm appreciation to our French partners, whose technical and financial collaboration has strengthened our resolve to make omi eko a global benchmark for sustainable water mobility, each of our partners, stakeholders and citizens, play an essential role in this collective journey of transformation.

“The Omi Eko project represents not only infrastructure, but Innovation in motion, an integral component of the Lagos State transport policy, which envisions an integrated, seamless multimodal network, linking of our roads, rails and waterways under one efficient, accessible system. Under the guidance of our governor, Lagos, has pursued this vision through delivering long term planning.” He added.

Other dignitaries at the event who also delivered keynote addresses include; Mr. Raji Fashola, former Governor of Lagos State and Minister of Works/ Housing, Mr. Jean-Noel Barrot, French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs and Hon. Temitope Adewale, Chairman, Lagos State House of Assembly Committee on Transport.