At a time when Lagos is launching its most ambitious water transport overhaul in decades, the €410 million Omi Èkó Project, the synergy between Sunreef’s proven global expansion model and the State’s inland waterway renewal has never been more compelling.The project includes 15 new Ferry routes covering 140 km of Waterways, over 25 modernised Terminals, and a pioneering fleet of more than 75 electric Ferries designed to ease congestion, cut emissions, and create a sustainable transport backbone for Africa’s largest City.
For Observers who toured Sunreef’s operations in Poland, the message was unmistakable: the kind of maritime ecosystem Lagos seeks to build already exists; and Sunreef has mastered how to replicate it abroad. From the UAE, where Sunreef vessels support a booming luxury‑tourism market, to Asia, where the Sunreef Lounge in Shanghai anchors regional partnerships, the Company has shown an ability to enter emerging Markets, build capacity, and scale rapidly.
Experts argue that Lagos stands to benefit immensely from a similar partnership. Sunreef’s model aligns with Omi Èkó’s goals in several critical ways: the development of electric‑powered Ferries, the establishment of vessel‑servicing capacity, and the expansion of skills and technical training for young Nigerians seeking maritime careers.
Indeed, it has been observed that the ripple effects would be substantial: thousands of skilled jobs, new SMEs supplying Marine components, upgraded safety standards, enhanced coastal tourism, and Lagos’s emergence as a regional maritime powerhouse.
Floating Jetties already rolling out under Omi Èkó, combined with the State’s push for integrated ticketing and modern Terminals, create a suitable platform for high-quality vessel operations. Sunreef’s expertise could elevate that platform, ensuring Lagos’s Water transport system is not just functional, but world-class.
As global trends shift toward sustainable mobility and coastal resilience, Lagos’s waterways represent an unprecedented opportunity. The blend of homegrown ambition and Sunreef’s international pedigree could define a new era, one where Lagos reaffirms its position as a thriving, water‑centric Megacity!
A.I. Alli
Article inspired by a study tour organized by the Polish Investment & Trade Agency
