Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Thursday met with the European Union (EU) Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, to reaffirm Lagos-EU bilateral cooperation and accelerate the rollout of a transformative transport infrastructure project the ‘Omi Eko’ inland waterways initiative.
The meeting, held at the Lagos State House in Marina, brought together a high-level EU delegation from Abuja to discuss multilateral partnerships, business opportunities, and the future of Lagos’ water transport system.
At the heart of the discussion was the ambitious €410 million ‘Omi Eko’ project, a collaborative effort involving the European Union, French Development Agency (AFD), European Investment Bank (EIB), and the Lagos State Government. The initiative is set to revolutionize the State’s inland waterways, turning them into a sustainable, high-capacity transport network.
Governor Sanwo-Olu confirmed that following a successful feasibility study, the project is scheduled to formally commence next month, marking a significant milestone in his administration’s integrated urban transport vision.
“With the Omi Eko project, we are boosting Lagos’ transportation infrastructure by providing residents with more efficient, faster, and safer mobility options on water,” Sanwo-Olu said. “It will deliver more stations, high-capacity electric boats, and upgraded water transport services, along with advanced security and surveillance systems.”
He described the project as a legacy initiative that will not only ease commuting but also unlock the economic potential of Lagos’ aquatic assets, create jobs, and attract tourism and investment.
Sanwo-Olu welcomed the EU’s confidence in the state and urged project partners to ensure timely disbursement of funds and fast-track procurement for civil works. He also applauded the EU’s plan to launch a EU-owned Infrastructure Development Bank in Nigeria, calling it a “positive step” toward deepening capital access and infrastructure development.
Ambassador Mignot, in response, praised Lagos for its commitment to sustainable development and revealed that formal groundbreaking for the Omi Eko project will take place in late June.
“We’ve received strong signals from both the EIB and AFD. Now, we’re ready to sign the financing agreements. The Omi Eko project will begin with a formal launch event in June, where I’ll be joined by the French ambassador to mark this landmark investment,” Mignot announced.
He noted that Lagos remains the core of European economic activity in Nigeria, and said plans are underway to strengthen investment ties, particularly in the technology sector, where Germany’s GIZ continues to lead development efforts.
Mignot also disclosed that the European Chamber of Commerce in Nigeria is being restructured to support broader, more strategic partnerships with Lagos and other key stakeholders.
Governor Sanwo-Olu reiterated his administration’s commitment to protecting and promoting foreign investments, ensuring a secure and enabling environment for international partners.
