The Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) and international ferry industry association Interferry have launched the practical phase of the Ferry Safety Development Programme (FSDP), marking a major step in efforts to improve safety standards across Nigeria’s waterways sector.

The first in-person training session was held at the Caverton Marine Ferry Building Facility in Badore, Ajah, Lagos, bringing together 50 participants for technical and operational training designed to strengthen ferry safety and maritime competence.

The initiative is being described as Africa’s first dedicated Ferry Safety Development Programme and forms part of wider efforts to improve safety, capacity development and growth within Lagos’ emerging blue economy.

Why it matters

Water transportation has become increasingly important in Lagos as authorities seek alternatives to congested roads and growing urban traffic challenges.

However, concerns about ferry accidents, vessel maintenance, operator training and passenger safety have continued to raise questions about standards across inland waterways.

Industry experts say improved training and stronger safety culture are critical to reducing risks and building public confidence in water transportation.

The Ferry Safety Development Programme aims to address these challenges by equipping participants with technical knowledge, operational expertise and international best practices over an 18-month period.

Inside the training programme

The practical session was led by Programme Coordinator, Engr. Ukeme Sunday, and focused on ferry design and construction, vessel safety standards, maintenance procedures and operational best practices.

Participants were also given direct exposure to real-world ferry operations through hands-on learning activities at the marine facility.

A key feature of the session was a technical workshop facilitated by Caverton Marine General Manager, Mohammed Ibrahim, who shared insights gained from more than four decades in ferry design and vessel construction.

Drawing on his industry experience, Ibrahim highlighted the importance of adhering to construction standards, maintenance schedules and operational safety procedures in reducing risks on waterways.

“The practical component was designed to complement the programme’s virtual mentoring and self-paced learning modules.”

Government highlights role of practical experience

Speaking on the significance of the initiative, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Blue Economy, Oluwadamilola Emmanuel, said practical exposure is essential for developing a highly skilled maritime workforce.

He explained that classroom learning alone is not enough to prepare future industry professionals for real-world challenges.

According to him, exposing participants to operational environments and industry best practices will help build the competencies required for a safer and more efficient waterways sector.

The programme combines physical training, mentoring and independent learning, creating a comprehensive development pathway for participants.

Industry collaboration at the centre

LASWA credited Interferry for sponsoring the programme and Caverton Marine for hosting and facilitating the inaugural practical session.

The authority also acknowledged the Lagos State Government’s continued investment in maritime safety and human capital development.

Industry observers note that collaboration between regulators, operators and international partners is becoming increasingly important as African countries seek to expand water transportation networks while maintaining safety standards.

Potential impact on Lagos’ blue economy

Analysts say the programme could contribute to long-term improvements in ferry operations, passenger confidence and investment in water transportation infrastructure.

A stronger safety culture may also encourage greater adoption of ferries as a reliable means of transport in Lagos, where millions of commuters face daily traffic congestion.

The initiative aligns with broader efforts by the Lagos State Government to develop the blue economy, a sector that includes maritime transport, fisheries, marine services and waterfront development.

What happens next?

The Ferry Safety Development Programme will continue over the next 18 months, combining practical training sessions with virtual mentoring and self-paced learning modules.

Participants are expected to undergo further technical development focused on vessel operations, maintenance, safety management and industry leadership.

As the programme progresses, stakeholders will be watching closely to assess its impact on ferry safety standards and operational excellence across Nigeria’s inland waterways sector.

Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) has urged commuters, boat operators, and other waterways users across Lagos State to prioritize safety during the Eid-el-Adha celebrations, warning against night travel as heavy rains increase risks on inland waterways.

In a statement issued ahead of the Muslim festival, the agency said poor visibility and unstable weather conditions during the rainy season could make water transportation more dangerous, particularly after dark.

LASWA advised passengers to schedule trips during daylight hours and remain alert while travelling.

The authority also called on boat operators to comply fully with operational safety regulations, including speed limits and weather advisories before embarking on journeys.

Why the Warning Matters

Water transportation remains a major mode of movement for thousands of residents in Lagos, especially in riverine communities and traffic-prone areas.

However, accidents involving overloaded boats, poor safety compliance, and adverse weather conditions have raised concerns in recent years about passenger safety on the waterways.

LASWA said the rainy season often creates stronger currents, lower visibility, and unpredictable weather patterns that can increase navigational risks.

The agency stressed that safety on the waterways is a shared responsibility between operators and passengers.

“Safety must never be compromised,” the authority stated, urging all users to adopt a safety-first culture during the festive season.

Life Jackets Remain Mandatory

Reaffirming its zero-tolerance approach to safety violations, LASWA said the use of life jackets by all passengers and crew members remains compulsory throughout every trip.

The authority has repeatedly enforced compliance measures in recent months as part of broader efforts to reduce accidents and improve confidence in water transportation across Lagos.

The agency also warned operators against excessive speeding and unsafe practices that could endanger lives.

Government Reaffirms Commitment to Safe Water Transport

Speaking during the Eid-el-Adha message, Oluwadamilola Emmanuel congratulated Muslim faithful on the celebration and reiterated the state government’s commitment to safer waterways transportation.

He said the government, through LASWA, would continue improving safety standards and ensuring residents can travel securely across Lagos waterways.

According to him, the administration remains focused on building a safer and more efficient water transport system as part of the state’s growing blue economy strategy.

What’s Next

LASWA said monitoring and enforcement activities would continue across jetties and waterways during the festive period to ensure compliance with safety regulations.

The agency also urged residents to report unsafe operations and cooperate with officials to help prevent avoidable accidents.

The authority concluded by wishing residents a peaceful and safe Eid-el-Adha celebration.

The Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) has intensified safety inspections across major ferry terminals and jetties in Lagos, seizing 120 damaged life jackets as part of a renewed crackdown on unsafe waterways operations.

The agency said the inspections were aimed at enforcing compliance with waterways safety regulations and improving passenger safety on Lagos waterways, which have become an increasingly important transport alternative in the state.

Officials inspected terminals and jetties including Ipakodo, Bayeku, Ijede, Ebute-Ero, Liverpool, Sabokoji, Alex and Coconut during the operation.

LASWA said the exercise focused on vessel seaworthiness and the availability of certified and functional life jackets for passengers.

“Strict enforcement of safety protocols, especially concerning vessel conditions and the quality of life jackets, is non-negotiable,” the authority said in a statement.

Why the inspections matter

Water transportation has continued to grow in Lagos as commuters seek alternatives to the city’s heavily congested roads.

However, concerns over ferry accidents, overcrowding and poor safety compliance have also increased pressure on regulators to strengthen oversight across the sector.

LASWA said some operators complied fully with safety standards, while others were found operating vessels that require repairs before they can be considered seaworthy.

The authority added that damaged life jackets discovered during the inspections were immediately removed from circulation to prevent potential risks to passengers.

Transport safety analysts say enforcement campaigns are critical in a city where waterways are becoming central to urban mobility.

Industry observers note that life jackets are often the first line of protection during water emergencies, making their quality and availability essential for passenger survival.

Enforcement to continue across Lagos waterways

LASWA said enforcement operations would continue across ferry terminals and jetties in Lagos to ensure operators comply with regulations.

Operators are legally required to maintain seaworthy vessels and provide approved life jackets for all passengers.

The agency also reaffirmed its commitment to building a “safer, more reliable, and well-regulated waterways transportation system” in Lagos State.

The inspections come amid broader efforts by the Lagos government to modernise water transport infrastructure and encourage more residents to use ferries as part of the city’s integrated transport network.

Industry and public reaction

Commuters and transport advocates have repeatedly called for stronger enforcement following past incidents on Nigerian waterways.

Safety experts say consistent inspections, operator training and passenger awareness campaigns will be necessary to reduce accidents and improve public confidence in water transport.

Some ferry users also welcomed the latest inspections, saying stricter oversight could encourage more Lagos residents to consider waterways transportation as a dependable commuting option.

What’s next?

LASWA is expected to sustain routine inspections and compliance monitoring across terminals in the coming months.

The authority urged ferry operators to prioritise maintenance and comply fully with waterways safety standards to avoid sanctions.

Passengers have also been encouraged to insist on functional life jackets before boarding ferries.