French Minister applauds Lagos-France Partnership to tackle transportation challenges

The French Minister Delegate for Foreign Trade, Economic Attractiveness and French Nationals Abroad, Olivier Becht, has applauded Lagos-France Partnership in its effort to tackle urban transportation challenges through the new inland waterways transport initiative OMI EKO, prepared by Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) with the French Development Agency (AFD) and the European Union support.

The partnership was reached on the occasion of the Minister’s visit to Lagos State

This was disclosed in statement by French Embassy, in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.

The OMI EKO project, a new initiative blossomed by Lagos State-AFD partnership, with the support of the European Union is with the objective to develop mass public Inland Waterways Transport in Lagos to transport 24 million commuters by waterways every year.

Speaking, the French Minister Delegate for Foreign Trade, Economic Attractiveness and French Nationals Abroad, Olivier Becht, said that

 “Beyond its positive impact on mobility, the OMI EKO project is anticipated to generate a host of economic opportunities. France, as a pioneer in sustainable urban development, brings a wealth of expertise and experience. French businesses, renowned for their cutting-edge technologies and sustainable practices, are ready to play a pivotal role in the implementation of this project. This initiative also signifies the shared commitment between France and Nigeria to build resilient cities.” He said

Adding that “The project will significantly reduce travel cost, allow great travel time savings and large reduction of CO² emissions. It will include the development of 15 ferry routes covering a total length of 140km and the upgrade of 25 ferry terminals and jetties. Lagos will also deploy the first electric vessels in Sub-Saharan Africa, being at the forefront of innovation. This project implemented by LASWA could run over 2024-2029. He said

According to the statement, the session of the visit started at the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) headquarters in the presence of Lagos State Commissioner for Transports, MrOluwaseun Osiyemi, and Lagos State Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Mr. Mosopefolu George, with a deep-dive discussion on urban mobility issues in Lagos, the great potential of inland waterways transportation through the OMI EKO project as well as the economic opportunities that will arise from the implementation of the project.

The delegation then embarked on a boat trip around Lagos Island to see major infrastructures to be delivered under the OMI EKO project as well as another key project supported by France: Lagos State Strategic Transport Master Plan (LSTMP) project.

It also noted that “In Lagos, 20% of carbon dioxide emissions are generated by the transport sector. With an estimated 22 million inhabitants today, Lagos’ population is expected to grow up to 40 million by 2040. The Minister has congratulated Lagos State for its past and future achievements and has assured the State of France’s long-term support in this field”.

Over the past 12 years, France through AFD has been investing 700 M USD in the development of Lagos State including 350 M USD to develop the Mass Rapid Transit System (MRTS).

This has contributed to reducing travel time and travel costs for millions of Lagosians and significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Hauwa M.