Waterways Investment for the Development of the Environment of Lagos State “Omi Eko” Project – West Africa, Nigeria
OVERVIEW
The Waterways Investment for the Development of the Environment of Lagos State, later renamed “Omi Eko’’ Project, aims to foster greener, more inclusive, and resilient urbanisation in Lagos. It contributes to climate-resilient, low-carbon development by ensuring convenient, equitable access to public transport, aligning with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 11: Sustainable cities and communities. Additionally, the project supports smart, sustainable, and inclusive growth by increasing passenger volumes on public transportation systems, in line with SDG 9: Industry, innovation, and infrastructure.
The specific goal is to enhance urban mobility in Lagos by developing sustainable, mass public Inland Waterway Transport (IWT). This involves reducing local pollution, cutting greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, ensuring energy efficiency, and improving access to transport for all, regardless of gender or socio-economic challenges. The initiative further prioritises economic efficiency by enhancing the reliability, safety, and cost-effectiveness of urban transport systems.
KEY ACTIVITIES
Development of ferry routes
Establish 15 ferry routes, including 10 trunk services and 5 feeder routes, with 140 kilometres of dredged and marked waterways.
Development of infrastructure
Construct 25 ferry terminals and jetties, with 12 equipped for power generation and charging stations with light maintenance facilities, and most featuring intermodal connectivity.
Engineering, Procurement, and Construction Supervision (EPCS)
Recruit consultants for construction supervision which will also update and manage the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA), Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP), and Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) while assisting the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) with RAP implementation.
Electric vessels and Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS)
Procure 78 electric-powered vessels and implement ITS for fare collection, passenger information, and vessel control through a public-private partnership (PPP).
TOTAL BUDGET / IMPLEMENTATION
IMPLEMENTING AGENCIES
Agence Française de Développement (AFD) and Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA)
TOTAL BUDGET
€410 million
IMPLEMENTATION PERIOD
2024 – 2030
GEOGRAPHICAL REGION
Lagos
Component 1: Construction of IWT corridors and facilities
EU contribution – €60M
EIB – €170M
AFD – €130M
Lagos State – €40M
Private Sector – €10M
Component 2: Establishment of sustainable IWT operations
Capacity building for Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA)
Strengthen LASWA’s capacity through training, recruitment, and a sustainable business model with minimal operating subsidies.
Project Management and Operations Design (PMOD)
Recruit a Project Management and Operations Design (PMOD) consultant to:
(i) support and build capacity of LASWA over a 4-year project implementation period;
(ii) fine-tune the IWT operations design and business model;
(iii) develop branding and marketing for new IWT services;
(iv) define detailed vessel specifications;
(v) support LASWA in drafting and procuring service contracts for IWT, vessels and ITS acquisition;
(vi) carry out the VITP.
EXPECTED RESULTS
Increased urban transport access
25 million passengers will adopt IWT services annually. Terminals and vessels will be universally accessible, with at least 80% of surveyed commuters expressing satisfaction with the service.
Reduced pollution and GHG emissions
Deployment of electric-powered vessels, powered partly by solar photovoltaic (PV) panels and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), will reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 41,000 tonnes annually, supporting SDG 13: Climate action.
Energy efficiency
The project will minimise fossil fuel usage by employing electric vessels, solar PV panels, and CNG generators, ensuring sustainable energy use.
Improved transport efficiency
Vessels will reduce passenger travel time by an average of three hours per day, with reliable services and fares 20% lower than road-based alternatives.
Enhanced waterway safety
Dredging, marking, and ITS systems will reduce accidents and enhance safety, even in adverse weather conditions.
Strengthened policy and regulation
Implementation of a new licensing framework and exclusive use of smart payment cards will modernise and streamline commuter experiences.
Employment creation
Thousands of direct and indirect jobs will be created, benefiting vessel operations, terminal maintenance, and local economic hubs.
Developed infrastructure
The project will deliver 15 IWT routes with climate-resilient facilities, ensuring long-term sustainability.
Financial leverage and economic growth
The EU grant will multiply investment by 4.91 through co-financing with the Agence Française de Développement (AFD) and the European Investment Bank (EIB), with a broader multiplier effect of 6.73 to enhance economic opportunities.
Strengthened institutional capacity
LASWA will be equipped to manage operations sustainably, supported by comprehensive capacity building and gender-inclusive policies.
