
Omi Eko: A $410 Million Blueprint for Africa’s Sustainable Blue Economy Lagos State has officially launched the Omi Eko Project, a transformative $410 million initiative designed to modernize water transportation and alleviate crippling road congestion. Described by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu as a “blueprint for sustainable urban mobility,” the project is the largest inland waterway investment in Africa. It is supported by a strategic international partnership involving the European Union, the European Investment Bank (EIB), and Agence Française de Développement (AFD), aligning with the EU’s Global Gateway Strategy.
The technical scope of the project is massive, involving the deployment of 70 hybrid-electric ferries, the upgrading of 20 jetties and terminals, and the dredging of 15 key waterways. Beyond hardware, the initiative includes a vessel industry transition program to empower small-scale operators and promote greener operations. This infrastructure overhaul aims to turn the state’s waterways into efficient “corridors of opportunity” rather than barriers.
The environmental and economic statistics are equally impressive. Omi Eko is projected to reduce CO₂ emissions by 41,000 tonnes annually, directly supporting global climate goals. For the workforce, the project will serve 25 million passengers, saving commuters an average of three hours daily. By mastering its waters, Lagos is positioning itself as a global model for sustainable, innovative coastal megacity transport.