Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Thursday met with the European Union (EU) Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Mr. Gautier Mignot, to strengthen the Lagos-EU partnership and advance multilateral business relations.
The high-level meeting, held at the State House in Marina, Lagos, focused on deepening cooperation across sectors, with special emphasis on the proposed ‘Omi Eko’ project — a transformative initiative to modernise Lagos’ inland waterways into a world-class transportation network.
The €410 million project will be jointly funded through a mix of public and private investments, with oversight from the European Union, French Development Agency (AFD), European Investment Bank (EIB), and the Lagos State Government.
Governor Sanwo-Olu expressed delight at the project’s imminent launch, revealing that following the completion of feasibility studies, implementation is scheduled to begin next month. He emphasized that ‘Omi Eko’ is designed to unlock the economic potential of Lagos’ vast aquatic ecosystem, while offering residents a sustainable and efficient alternative mode of transportation.
“With the Omi Eko project, we are set to significantly boost our infrastructure capacity and provide faster, more reliable mobility options for Lagosians,” the Governor said. “The initiative will introduce more jetties, high-capacity electric boats, and improved water transport services. It will also enhance security and surveillance on our waterways.”
He continued: “This project aligns with our broader vision of delivering an integrated, sustainable urban transport system. It is future-proof, adaptable, and critical to our long-term growth. ‘Omi Eko’ will be one of the legacy projects of my administration—one that redefines public transportation in Lagos.”
Sanwo-Olu commended the EU’s investment drive, noting its potential to boost tourism and position Lagos as a prime destination for global investors. He urged project partners to ensure prompt release of funds and early delivery of materials to facilitate swift civil works.
The Governor also welcomed the impending entry of the EU-owned Infrastructure Development Bank into Nigeria’s financial landscape, describing the move as “a forward-looking investment decision.”
He reaffirmed Lagos’ commitment to safeguarding foreign investments and expanding collaborations with EU member states.
In his remarks, Ambassador Mignot announced that the groundbreaking for the Omi Eko project would take place at the end of June, marking the formal start of the landmark investment.
“We bring good news from the EIB and AFD,” Mignot said. “The agreements are ready to be signed, paving the way for this over €400 million project. By late June, we will hold a launch event in Lagos, with the French Ambassador joining us to mark this significant milestone.”
He praised Lagos for its consistent support of EU investments, noting that a substantial portion of European economic activity in Nigeria is concentrated in the state.
Ambassador Mignot also disclosed ongoing efforts to strengthen bilateral economic ties, including the restructuring of the European Chamber of Commerce to enhance its flexibility and strategic role in Nigeria’s economic development. He further highlighted the EU’s growing interest in Nigeria’s tech ecosystem, with German-backed GIZ playing a leading role in that sector.