Lagos Aims to Revolutionize Commuting with Eco-Friendly "Omi Eko" Waterways

The Lagos State government has announced plans to launch an electric water transportation system dubbed “Omi Eko” in October 2025, aiming to reduce traffic congestion and leverage the city's vast waterways for sustainable transport. The initiative, spearheaded by the state commissioner for transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, includes the deployment of 72 electric ferries and 25 new electric jetties across the city’s waterways. The project is part of a broader strategy to transform Lagos' aquatic infrastructure into a reliable and accessible transport alternative to road networks [1].

Osiyemi emphasized that the electric vessels offer a safer and more time-efficient travel option compared to road transport. He acknowledged, however, that the public still lacks confidence in water-based commuting due to past safety concerns. The Omi Eko project is designed to address these issues, with a focus on modern, comfortable, and environmentally friendly vessels. The commissioner expressed confidence that the initiative will encourage more residents to embrace water transport, thereby reducing pressure on the city’s congested roads [1].

This marks a significant shift from previous attempts such as Uber Boat and Gokada Boat, which used fossil-fuel-powered vessels and failed to gain sustained traction. The new electric fleet is expected to mitigate the costs associated with fuel, with Osiyemi stating that electricity could reduce transportation operational costs by up to 70 percent. The move aligns with global sustainability goals and supports Lagos' vision for affordable and accessible public transport [1].

Complementing the electric fleet, the government will also undertake extensive dredging and channelization efforts to ensure navigable routes for the vessels. These engineering interventions will enhance the overall infrastructure of Lagos' waterways and enable consistent service delivery. The project also underscores the administration’s commitment to improving safety and operational efficiency, with electric ferries being considered a more predictable and manageable alternative to traditional water transport [1].

The launch of Omi Eko comes amid rising concerns over the proliferation of unregulated and poorly constructed barges on Nigerian waterways. Maritime experts have warned that such vessels pose serious safety risks and damage the reputation of the country’s shipping industry. In contrast, the Omi Eko project highlights a more structured and standardized approach, with vessels expected to meet recognized safety and classification standards. The Lagos initiative also emphasizes the importance of regulatory oversight, with the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) playing a key role in ensuring compliance [2].

Source:

[1] Lagos to launch 'Omi Eko' electric ferries (https://technext24.com/2025/09/02/lagos-to-launch-omi-eko-electric-ferries/)

[2] Fresh concerns as unregulated barges flood waterways (https://guardian.ng/business-services/maritime/fresh-concerns-as-unregulated-barges-flood-waterways/)