LASWA, Interferry partner on ferry safety mentoring
The Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) has launched Africa’s first Ferry Safety Development and Mentoring Programme, in partnership with Interferry, the global ferry industry association that holds consultative status at
The Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) has launched Africa’s first Ferry Safety Development and Mentoring Programme, in partnership with Interferry, the global ferry industry association that holds consultative status at the International Maritime Organisation (IMO).
The 18-month programme, which will kick off on May 6, at LASWA’s Head Office in Ikoyi, Lagos, is designed to strengthen safety practices, improve operational efficiency, and raise professional standards among ferry industry operators in the country.
Fifty participants drawn from across the sector, including ferry captains, deckhands, marine engineers and technicians, safety officers, compliance professionals, and fleet managers — have been selected for the intensive initiative.
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An intake verification exercise, it was gathered, was conducted on March 18, 2026, to ensure all participants met eligibility and selection criteria.
Training will be delivered through a hybrid model combining self-paced online learning, virtual mentoring sessions, and monthly in-person practical sessions. Key modules will cover ferry design and construction, safety management systems, maritime regulations, and both preventive and predictive maintenance techniques.
Mentorship, it was learnt, will be provided by Interferry experts, supported by facilitators from Nigerian maritime institutions, leading industry companies, and regulatory agencies.
The launch event, scheduled for 11:00 a.m., will feature programme briefings, the formal introduction of mentors and participants, and a stakeholder engagement session.
LASWA described the initiative as part of the Lagos State Government’s commitment to building safer waterways and developing a professionally competitive ferry transportation system.
