Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to transforming the state’s waterways from mere geographical assets into corridors of economic opportunity and sustainable transport.
Speaking on Friday at the official launch of the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) “Omi Eko Project,” Sanwo-Olu described the initiative as a historic milestone in reimagining Lagos’ transport and environmental future.
“For centuries, water has defined the rhythm of Lagos — from the bustling trade canoes of our ancestors to the ferries that glide across our lagoon today. Our story has always been written on water. But history is not just what we inherit; it is also what we choose to create,” the governor said in his keynote address.
He described the Omi Eko Project as a “bold statement of intent,” representing Lagos’ vision to lead Africa in developing a sustainable, interconnected, and future-ready water transportation system.
“This is not just a project unveiling; it is a comprehensive, forward-looking blueprint that merges technology, environmental stewardship, and smart design to create waterways that are not just navigated but optimized,” he added.
Sanwo-Olu noted that the project would ease traffic congestion, reduce carbon emissions, and unlock economic opportunities for waterfront communities across the state.
In his goodwill message, former Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, commended the governor’s commitment to sustainable development and urged the state government to complement the waterways initiative with stronger connectivity to rail and road transport networks.
Also speaking, Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Oluwaseun Osiyemi, said the project would significantly reduce travel time, ease road traffic, and offer Lagos residents a reliable and eco-friendly alternative to road commuting.
Earlier, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Blue Economy, Mr. Damilola Emmanuel, said the Omi Eko Project would strengthen water transport infrastructure, promote climate resilience, and advance Lagos’ sustainable mobility agenda through smart technology and environmental innovation.
