LASWA begins Africa’s first ferry safety training programme
The Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA), in partnership with Interferry, the global ferry association, has commenced an 18-month Ferry Safety Development and Mentoring Programme to strengthen safety standards and operational
The Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA), in partnership with Interferry, the global ferry association, has commenced an 18-month Ferry Safety Development and Mentoring Programme to strengthen safety standards and operational capacity on the state’s waterways.
The programme, which targets 50 participants drawn from across the ferry ecosystem, brings together ferry captains, deckhands, marine engineers, safety officers, compliance professionals and fleet managers for structured training to align local operations with global best practices.
Speaking at the launch, the Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Blue Economy, Oluwadamilola Emmanuel, described the initiative as a major step towards safer and more efficient water transport in Lagos.
He said the programme reflects the state government’s commitment to building a strong safety culture as a foundation for growth in the blue economy.
“This is not just a training programme. It is a deliberate effort to institutionalise safety and raise operational standards across our waterways,” he said.
Emmanuel added that the partnership with Interferry would expose participants to global standards and best practices, noting that sustained capacity development remains key to reducing incidents and improving public confidence.
The training is structured into monthly modules, each focusing on a critical aspect of ferry operations. Each module is divided into four units, delivered through a blended learning approach that combines self-paced study, virtual mentoring sessions and practical in-person training.
Participants will spend the first two weeks of each module on guided self-study, followed by live virtual sessions with Interferry mentors in the third week, while the final week will be devoted to hands-on practical sessions at designated maritime facilities.
The curriculum covers ferry design and construction, safety management systems, maritime regulations, vessel inspection, maintenance practices, emergency response, weather operations and leadership development.
Programme Coordinator, Engineer Ukeme Sunday, said the inclusion of leadership training was intentional, noting that technical knowledge must be complemented by the ability to manage people and enforce safety procedures.
“No matter how technically sound an operator is, without leadership capacity, safety cannot be sustained. This programme is designed to build both competence and responsibility,” he said.
Facilitators for the programme are drawn from maritime academies, classification societies, the Nigerian Navy and international shipping organisations, while the mentoring component is anchored by seasoned global professionals with decades of experience.
Participants will also undertake field visits and practical demonstrations at boatyards and operational hubs to gain hands-on experience in vessel construction, safety equipment inspection and operational procedures.
Representing the head of maritime safety at the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Engineer Stanley Wali stressed that safety on the waterways must be treated as a shared responsibility among all stakeholders.
“Safety on our waterways is a collective duty. Regulators, operators and passengers must all play their part if we are to reduce accidents and protect lives,” he said.
He added that continuous training and strict adherence to safety regulations were essential to improving standards across the sector.
“We must prioritise compliance, regular vessel maintenance and the use of life-saving equipment at all times. These are not optional; they are critical to safe operations,” Wali said.
Stakeholders at the event said the programme would deepen collaboration across the sector and improve compliance with established safety standards.
They noted that safer waterways are essential not only for passenger confidence but also for the growth of water-based commerce and the overall efficiency of Lagos’ transport system.
