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For years, Lagosians have woken up to the same morning nightmare — bumper-to-bumper traffic from Ikorodu to Victoria Island, endless gridlock from Ajah to CMS, and the daily exhaustion that comes with navigating Africa’s busiest city.
BUT A NEW CHAPTER MAY HAVE JUST BEGUN.
Today, Sunday, October 19, 2025, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu officially launched the €410 million “Omi Eko” Water Transport Project, a bold plan to revolutionize how over 20 million Lagos residents move across the state, according to DAILY TIMES
A VISION FOR A FLOATING LAGOS
Standing at the Five Cowries Terminal in Ikoyi, the governor, flanked by former Governor Babatunde Fashola, state executives, and representatives of the European Union, unveiled the Omi Eko project — a blend of innovation, infrastructure, and sustainability.
According to the state government, the initiative will open up 15 major ferry routes across the Lagos lagoon, connecting hubs such as Lekki, Ikorodu, Marina, Apapa, Badore, and Epe.
THE PROJECT INCLUDES :
Construction of modern ferry terminals.
Purchase of electric and hybrid ferries to cut emissions.
Training of operators under global safety standards.
Integration of water transport with existing BRT and rail lines.
Governor Sanwo-Olu described the launch as “a practical response to the city’s transport challenges and a commitment to building a smarter, greener Lagos.”
> “Our waterways are blessings waiting to be harnessed,” he said. “With Omi Eko, we are not just easing traffic; we are shaping the Lagos of tomorrow — efficient, safe, and sustainable.”
FROM TRAFFIC JAM TO FERRY CALM
The average Lagos commuter spends nearly three to five hours daily in traffic. The Omi Eko project promises to slash that time by half for many routes.
Imagine this: a banker in Lekki heading to Marina can now cruise across the lagoon in 25 minutes instead of sitting for two hours in gridlock. For thousands, that’s more family time, better productivity, and less stress.
Commuters interviewed at the event expressed excitement and cautious optimism.
> “If this works, it will change everything,” said Rashid Balogun, a trader who travels from Ikorodu to CMS daily. “The road is always blocked, but the lagoon is empty. It’s about time we used it.”
Partnership & Funding
The €410 million investment is being financed through a public-private partnership between Lagos State, European Union infrastructure funds, and several local financial institutions.
EU representatives at the event praised the initiative as a “forward-looking model for sustainable African urban transport.”
Construction on the first phase is set to begin immediately, with the first batch of electric ferries expected to begin operation by mid-2026.
CHALLENGES AHEAD
While enthusiasm runs high, experts warn that maintaining safety, affordability, and consistency will determine the project’s long-term success.
Security on waterways, cost of maintenance, and weather factors could pose hurdles if not carefully managed.
> “We’ve seen good projects die in Nigeria because of poor follow-through,” noted Dr. Ayoola Dare, a transport economist. “The key will be transparency and ensuring Lagosians can actually afford the fares.”
A CITY ON THE MOVE
For the first time in years, Lagosians are dreaming of a future where the lagoon isn’t just scenery — it’s part of their daily life.
The Omi Eko project signals that the city is ready to embrace a new kind of commute: cleaner, faster, and less stressful.
As Governor Sanwo-Olu concluded during the unveiling,
> “We are turning the water from a barrier into a bridge.”
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