Lagos State has successfully secured funding amounting to €410 million for the Omi Eko project during the 28th Conference of the Parties on Climate Change (COP28) in Dubai, UAE.
The financial support includes a €130 million loan from AFD, a €170 million loan from EIB, a €60 million grant from the European Union, and the remaining portion will be contributed by the Lagos State government.
The Omi Eko project, part of the Lagos State Climate Action Plan 2020-2025, is an ambitious initiative aimed at decarbonizing public transportation by developing mass public inland waterways transport (IWT) utilizing electric ferries (e-ferries). The project is expected to achieve a significant carbon reduction of approximately 41,000 tCO2 per year.
The Lagos state government while addressing the COP28, emphasized the project’s significance, stating, “The Omi Eko project represents a pivotal step in our commitment to sustainable, eco-friendly transportation.” The governor reiterated the state’s dedication to reducing carbon emissions and embracing renewable energy solutions.
Details from the Embassy of France in Abuja’s publication unveiled the comprehensive scope of the Omi Eko initiative. The plan outlines the development of 15 ferry routes across the Lagos lagoon, covering a 140-kilometer network of inland waterways, meticulously marked and dredged to ensure efficient transit.
Key components of the visionary project include the refurbishment of 25 ferry terminals and jetties, along with the acquisition of 75 electric-powered vessels. Lagos State plans to reinvigorate waterways transportation with these 75 electric vessels, contributing significantly to the project’s overall impact.
The project also integrates cutting-edge charging stations at pontoons, powered by a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) supplied by solar PV panels, the grid, and a backup CNG generator. Sustainability is further emphasized through routine maintenance equipment, a Control Centre for the IWT network, and an inclusive ticketing system.
The Lagos State Waterways Authority, serving as the implementing body, will provide technical and engineering support to ensure the seamless execution of the project.
Highlighting the environmental impact, an official statement from the Embassy of France in Nigeria noted, “With an estimated reduction of 41,000 tCO2 per year, the Omi Eko project is poised to make a significant environmental impact,” underscoring the initiative’s potential in combating climate change.
The project is set to position Lagos as a leader in environmentally conscious public transportation.
