Lagos’ waterways authority has completed another phase of a ferry safety training programme aimed at improving emergency preparedness among ferry operators as the state continues efforts to make water transport safer.

The Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) said 50 emerging ferry professionals completed the third module of its Ferry Safety Development and Mentoring Programme, which focused on ferry safety, emergency response and incident management during July 2026.

The announcement comes as Lagos State continues to encourage commuters to use waterways to ease pressure on congested roads. However, safety remains one of the biggest concerns for passengers following years of fatal boat accidents across Nigeria.

According to LASWA, the programme combined online learning with practical exercises conducted on 29 July at Prime Atlantic Safety Services (PASS) in Ogun State. Participants received hands-on instruction in abandoning ship procedures, man-overboard rescue techniques, first aid, emergency alarms and the use of survival equipment.

Academic sessions were delivered by Dr Bolaji Dunsin and Dr Ayaobu-Cookey of the Nigerian Institute of Oceanography and Marine Research (NIOMR). An online “Ask the Expert” session featured Darren Johnston, Vice President of Marine Operations at BC Ferries, who discussed international ferry safety practices.

Why does this matter?

Lagos has increasingly promoted water transportation as part of its Blue Economy strategy, investing in new terminals, ferries and routes. As passenger numbers increase, safety standards, crew competence and emergency preparedness become increasingly important.

Maritime safety experts have consistently argued that reducing accidents depends not only on modern vessels but also on properly trained crews, strict enforcement of safety regulations, routine maintenance and passenger compliance with safety procedures such as wearing life jackets.

While training programmes can strengthen professional capacity, they are only one element of a wider safety system. LASWA’s announcement does not provide evidence showing how previous training has affected accident rates, safety compliance or emergency response times.

What the programme involved

According to LASWA, trainees completed practical exercises that included:

– Abandon ship procedures, including emergency alarms, mustering, headcounts and survival craft deployment.

– Man-overboard response techniques.

– Emergency rescue deployment.

– Basic first aid.

– Use of personal protective equipment.

The authority said PASS instructors supervised the practical sessions at the company’s training facility.

Officials praise the initiative

The Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Blue Economy and General Manager of LASWA, Mr Oluwadamilola Emmanuel, praised the instructors who delivered the practical training.

He commended the PASS training team, led by Senior Training Instructor Mr Gbenga Kuku, “for delivering world-class practical instruction and for their unwavering commitment to strengthening ferry safety capacity.”

Mr Emmanuel also thanked PASS Managing Director Mrs Folake Soyannwo for making the training facility available.

He further acknowledged Interferry, which sponsored the programme, and expressed appreciation to Mrs Shari Corrigan, Director of Conferences and Finance at Interferry and Executive Sponsor of FerrySafe, for supporting ferry safety development in Africa.

Wider context

Nigeria has recorded numerous boat accidents over the past decade, prompting repeated calls from safety regulators and transport experts for stronger enforcement of maritime regulations, improved vessel inspections, compulsory life jacket use and better crew training.

LASWA says the programme will now move into its fourth module, Introduction to Engine Systems, during August 2026.

Whether the initiative leads to measurable improvements in passenger safety will depend on how effectively the training is integrated into daily ferry operations and supported by continued regulatory oversight.

Lagos State has officially launched the Project Management, Operations and Design (PMOD) consultancy for the Omi Eko Project, moving ahead with plans to modernise water transportation through new infrastructure, electric ferries and improved passenger services.

The consultancy, inaugurated at a kick-off meeting in Lagos on Wednesday, will oversee project management, operational planning and technical design for one of the state’s largest investments in inland waterways.

Why it matters

Lagos is Africa’s most populous city and suffers chronic road congestion, with commuters often spending hours in traffic each day.

The state government believes expanding water transport could ease pressure on roads, shorten travel times and provide a cleaner alternative to road transport while opening up new economic opportunities.

Speaking at the meeting, the Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, described the consultancy as a key stage in delivering the project.

“The Omi Eko Project represents one of the most ambitious investments in inland waterways transportation in Africa. Beyond modern infrastructure and electric ferry technology, the project is designed to improve connectivity, reduce travel time, enhance passenger safety, stimulate economic activities and contribute meaningfully to environmental sustainability through cleaner transport solutions,” Osiyemi said.

He said the consultancy would provide technical leadership, operational guidance and project management expertise needed to deliver the project successfully.

According to the commissioner, the consultants will also coordinate stakeholders and support implementation throughout the project’s lifespan.

Osiyemi said the success of the project would depend on close collaboration between the Lagos State Government, development partners, consultants, contractors and host communities.

He thanked the French Development Agency (AFD), the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the European Union (EU) for supporting the state’s plans for sustainable urban mobility.

Consultants pledge international standards

Speaking on behalf of the PMOD consultancy, Planet SA’s Head of Delegation and Director of the International Unit, Dimitris Galanis, said the firm would deliver the assignment using international best practices.

“We are honoured to partner with the Lagos State Government and its development partners on this transformational project. Our team is committed to providing world-class project management, operational planning and technical expertise to ensure the successful implementation of the Omi Eko Project. We look forward to working collaboratively with all stakeholders to deliver a safe, efficient and sustainable water transport system that will benefit millions of Lagos residents,” he said.

Expert perspective

Transport and urban planning experts have long argued that Lagos can only address its growing traffic challenges by making greater use of its extensive waterways.

Analysts say successful investment in ferry terminals, modern vessels, safety systems and reliable operations could encourage more commuters to switch from road transport, reducing congestion and emissions across the city.

Public and industry perspective

Many Lagos residents already rely on ferries to avoid daily traffic, although concerns over safety, affordability and limited routes remain.

Operators within the marine transport sector have welcomed continued investment in waterways, saying improved infrastructure and stronger regulation could boost passenger confidence and attract private investment.

What’s next?

The PMOD consultancy will now begin detailed project management, operational planning and design work before implementation progresses to subsequent construction and operational phases.

The Lagos State Government says the Omi Eko Project will introduce modern infrastructure, electric ferry services and improved operational systems aimed at making water transport safer, cleaner and more efficient.

The Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA), working with global ferry association Interferry, has completed the second training module of its 18-month Ferry Safety Development Programme, equipping 50 participants with practical seamanship skills aimed at improving ferry safety across Africa.

The latest phase of the programme focused on ropes and knots, mooring and anchoring, and deck maintenance—core skills considered essential for safe ferry operations.

Why it matters

Lagos depends heavily on water transport as roads become increasingly congested. As passenger numbers continue to grow, improving the skills of ferry operators is seen as an important step towards reducing accidents, strengthening public confidence and supporting the state’s blue economy ambitions.

The Ferry Safety Development Programme is described as Africa’s first structured professional development initiative dedicated to ferry operations and safety.

Participants completed a combination of self-paced online learning, virtual mentoring sessions and practical field exercises designed to bridge the gap between classroom knowledge and real-world operations.

International expertise supports local training

A key part of the programme was an online “Ask the Expert” session held on 17 June, where Interferry mentor and Vice President of Marine Operations at Northumberland Ferries Limited, Jeff Joyce, shared international best practices on seamanship, ferry operations, leadership and maritime safety.

The interactive session also allowed participants to discuss operational challenges and learn from global industry experience.

Hands-on experience at Sea School

The practical training took place on 24 June at Sea School, Apapa, under the coordination of Engr. Ukeme Sunday and Sea School Coordinator Dr. Ekundayo.

Participants were divided into three groups for practical lessons covering rope identification, rope handling, knot tying, line management and the application of knots used during ferry operations.

Seven experienced maritime instructors supervised the exercises, giving participants hands-on experience intended to strengthen teamwork, operational competence and onboard safety.

Government says practical learning strengthens safety culture

Speaking on the programme, the Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Blue Economy, Oluwadamilola Emmanuel, said practical training plays a vital role in developing competent ferry professionals.

He said the field exercises complement virtual mentoring and self-paced learning by exposing participants to real-life operational environments and international best practices.

Industry perspective

Maritime safety specialists have consistently argued that regular professional training remains one of the most effective ways of reducing human error, which is widely recognised as a major contributor to marine accidents worldwide.

The combination of classroom instruction and practical exercises is increasingly becoming the benchmark for professional maritime development programmes.

Corporate appreciation

LASWA thanked Lagos Ferry Services Company Limited (LAGFERRY), Thesaurus Bay Limited, Interferry, Mrs. Shari Corrigan, Jeff Joyce, Dr. Ekundayo, the management of Sea School, Apapa, and the Lagos State Government for supporting the programme through funding, technical expertise and logistics.

What’s next?

The programme now moves into Module Three: Ferry Safety in July 2026.

Participants will study emergency preparedness, risk management and international safety standards as the 18-month initiative continues to build technical competence, leadership and a stronger safety culture for ferry professionals across Africa.

For commuters, safer ferry operations could translate into more reliable water transportation, greater public confidence and improved standards across Lagos’ expanding waterways sector.