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.

JMG Elevator has completed the installation of 16 TK Elevator units at Victor Attah International Airport in Akwa Ibom State, strengthening the airport’s infrastructure as it begins international passenger operations.

The project comes as the airport recently launched its first international flight to Accra, Ghana. Among those aboard the maiden flight were Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno, Aviation and Aerospace Development Minister Festus Keyamo and other government officials.

The newly installed vertical transportation systems comprise 12 elevators and four escalators designed to support passenger movement, improve accessibility and enhance operational efficiency across the airport terminal.

JMG Elevator, the Elevator and Escalator division of JMG Limited, said it has also entered into a maintenance agreement covering all the installed units to ensure they remain safe, reliable and available for continuous operation.

Why it matters

Modern airports rely on dependable elevators and escalators to move thousands of passengers efficiently, including elderly travellers, people with disabilities, families with children and airport workers.

Industry experts say reliable vertical transportation is an essential part of airport infrastructure because equipment failure can cause delays, congestion and accessibility challenges.

The latest installation reflects increasing investment in aviation infrastructure as Nigeria seeks to improve passenger experience and strengthen regional connectivity.

More units planned

The project is expected to expand further after the airport requested three additional TK Elevator units comprising one lift and two escalators.

Once completed, the airport will operate a total of 19 TK Elevator units.

According to JMG Elevator, the installation includes passenger lifts, panoramic lifts, standard lifts and goods lifts capable of carrying up to 1,250 kilograms for cargo and up to 1,000 kilograms for passengers.

The company said the indoor escalators were designed specifically for continuous passenger movement in busy airport environments.

Company explains project

Ahmed Mohamed SAMEH, Group Operation Manager of JMG Elevator, said the company remains focused on supporting Nigeria’s critical infrastructure.

“This project reflects JMG Elevator’s commitment to delivering reliable elevator and escalator solutions for critical infrastructure in Nigeria. From installation to maintenance, our focus is on safety, performance, and long-term value for our customers.”

JMG Elevator said it is the authorised and sole dealer of TK Elevator (TKE) in Nigeria, providing installation, commissioning, maintenance, modernisation and after-sales support across commercial, residential, healthcare, hospitality, aviation and industrial projects.

Industry perspective

Aviation analysts say airport infrastructure extends beyond runways and terminals. Supporting systems such as elevators, escalators, baggage handling equipment and accessibility facilities are increasingly viewed as key indicators of airport quality and operational readiness.

Improved passenger flow can reduce congestion, shorten travel times inside terminals and improve the overall customer experience, particularly during peak travel periods.

Government context

Nigeria has continued to invest in upgrading airport infrastructure as part of wider efforts to strengthen domestic and international air transport, attract investment and improve passenger services.

The commencement of international operations at Victor Attah International Airport is expected to boost economic activity, tourism and business opportunities in Akwa Ibom State and neighbouring regions.

What happens next?

Installation of the additional lift and two escalators is expected to begin following the client’s approval.

Once completed, the airport’s vertical transportation capacity will increase further, supporting anticipated growth in passenger traffic as international operations expand.