By Ayomide Otitoju
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, on Thursday, hosted the European Union (EU) Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Mr. Gautier Mignot, for high-level discussions aimed at deepening Lagos-EU cooperation, with particular focus on multilateral business relations and infrastructure investment.
The meeting, held at the Lagos State House in Marina, centred on the ambitious ‘Omi Eko’ waterways transformation project — a landmark initiative valued at €410 million, designed to modernise Lagos’ inland water transport system into a world-class mobility network.
Mr. Mignot led a delegation of EU officials from Abuja to formalise bilateral talks on the project, which will be jointly financed through public-private partnerships involving the European Union, the French Development Agency (AFD), the European Investment Bank (EIB), and the Lagos State Government.
Speaking after the meeting, Governor Sanwo-Olu expressed satisfaction over the progress of the feasibility studies and announced that the project would formally commence in June.
“With the Omi Eko project, we are about to enhance the capacity of our transport infrastructure by providing faster, more reliable options for residents. We’re introducing high-capacity electric boats, more ferry stations, and upgraded surveillance systems to ensure safer navigation across our waterways,” the Governor stated.
He described the initiative as a critical part of his administration’s integrated urban transportation agenda, saying it would not only address mobility challenges but also unlock the economic potential of Lagos’ extensive aquatic ecosystem.
“This is a legacy project—one that will redefine the public transportation system in Lagos. It aligns with our sustainability goals and will be adaptable to future demands. We are eager to break ground and see measurable progress before the end of this administration,” he added.
Governor Sanwo-Olu also commended the EU’s broader engagement in Lagos’ economic development, including the proposed entry of an EU-owned Infrastructure Development Bank into Nigeria’s financial sector. He pledged that Lagos would continue to create a safe and attractive environment for investors.
On his part, Ambassador Mignot confirmed that all agreements for the ‘Omi Eko’ project were in place, with a groundbreaking ceremony scheduled for the end of June 2025.
“We have good news from the EIB and AFD. The agreements are ready to be signed, and by the end of June, we will host an official launch in Lagos. I’ll be returning with the French Ambassador to mark this milestone,” Mignot said.
He praised Lagos for its strong commitment to EU relations and noted that a significant portion of the EU’s economic footprint in Nigeria was concentrated in the state. The ambassador also disclosed plans to enhance EU-Lagos economic cooperation, including expanding investment in the technology sector, where German agency GIZ has already taken a leading role.
Additionally, Mignot announced that the European Chamber of Commerce in Nigeria had been restructured to enable more flexible and strategic partnerships with Lagos, aimed at accelerating joint economic growth.
