Lagos Water Transport Receives €170 Million EU Investment Boost

By Godwin Oritse

In a move to create a more efficient, resilient, and affordable water transport system, the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the Lagos State Government, through the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA), have announced a €170 million partnership. The project, known as Omi Eko, aims to improve urban mobility while delivering socio‑economic and environmental benefits to Lagos residents.

Speaking about the initiative, Honourable Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Oluwaseun Osiyemi, praised the EIB’s commitment: “The EIB’s commitment to the Omi Eko Project is highly commendable. Likewise, the Lagos State Government is fully committed to providing the enabling environment required for the success of this partnership. This includes strong political will, policy consistency, transparency, accountability, and effective collaboration. We are prepared to work closely with the European Investment Bank to ensure that Omi Eko meets the highest global standards of project delivery and sustainability.”

Mr. Oluwadamilola Emmanuel, Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Blue Economy, highlighted the partnership’s significance: “The partnership signing ceremony with the EIB marks a significant milestone in our journey to unlock the full potential of our Blue Economy, and of the Omi Eko Project in particular. We are confident that with the support and expertise of the European Investment Bank, the Omi Eko Project will stand as a landmark achievement, showcasing what is possible when visionary leadership meets strategic international partnership.”

In a statement, EIB Vice‑President Mr. Ambroise Fayolle said: “We strongly support this flagship green project, which will develop a safer, more efficient and affordable public transport system in Lagos. It will improve the daily lives of Lagos’ large population while boosting sustainable growth and job opportunities. It is a concrete demonstration of the EIB’s commitment with its partners to the EU’s Global Gateway strategy in West Africa.”

Dr. Segun Alabi, Head of Communications and Media for the Omi Eko Project, explained that the project is part of the strategic Abidjan‑Lagos corridor, supported by the EU under the European Global Gateway Initiative. It aligns with national and regional priorities and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

He added: “Today, Lagos State and EIB Global, the branch of the European Investment Bank dedicated to development and international partnerships, announced a EUR 170 million financial partnership to develop a sustainable and efficient waterways transport system in Lagos.”

The signing ceremony, followed by a site visit, was held at the LASWA headquarters in the presence of Ambroise Fayolle, EIB Vice‑President, Gautier Mignot, EU Ambassador, and Laurent Favier, Consul General of France in Lagos.

This is the first collaboration between LASWA and the EIB, the largest funder of the Omi Eko Project. The EIB long‑term loan is supported by an EU guarantee under the Global Gateway Initiative, in which the EIB is a key partner in Africa. The project is co‑financed with the AFD and the European Commission, with EUR 130 million of sovereign loan and EUR 60 million of investment grant, respectively.

Through this operation, the EU Bank will finance the implementation of a waterborne urban public transport network in Lagos, including the construction of new ferry piers, the acquisition of electrically operated small‑scale ferries for passenger transport, and the development of new maintenance facilities for the fleet. The operation also includes the supply of fully electric vessels and the construction of passenger stations and jetties.

In concrete terms, the project will establish 15 structured ferry routes along 140 kilometres, linking 25 upgraded and expanded ferry terminals across the city, and 75 state‑of‑the‑art electric vessels—each capable of carrying up to 440 passengers. These vessels will significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions while lowering water pollution.

Once fully implemented, the project is expected to increase the proportion of waterborne transport in Lagos from less than 1 % currently to up to 8 % by 2032, in line with the Lagos State Transport Master Plan. It will improve accessibility for underserved waterfront communities and bring time and cost savings for commuters.

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