Stakeholders have emphasised the need for boat operators to adhere strictly to safety rules in order to eradicate the menace of boat accidents on the nation’s waterways.
The stakeholders made this call on Wednesday in Lagos at the Ferry Safety Development/Mentoring Programme for ferry operators, organised by the Lagos State Waterways Authority in collaboration with Interferry.
Speaking at the programme, the Special Assistant to the Lagos State Governor on Blue Economy, Oluwadamilola Emmanuel, said the initiative marks a historic milestone as Africa’s first ferry safety development and mentoring programme.
According to him, ensuring the safety of everyone who journeys on our waterways is not just a duty; it has been a calling for over 10 years that I have been at the head of Lagos Waterways.
“Today, we reaffirm our commitment to this cause with renewed vigour and ambition. Over the next 18 months, 50 exceptional ferry professionals will embark on a transformative journey of training and mentorship, guided by world-class experts from Interferry and Nigeria’s leading maritime institutions. Among you are captains, deckhands, marine engineers, safety officers, and of course, fleet managers, each vital to our mission,” Emmanuel said.
While acknowledging a decline in boat accidents in the state, Oluwadamilola Emmanuel stressed the need for operators to strictly adhere to established rules and regulations.
“Because if you don’t cooperate with the rules and regulations, there’s no way we are going to have a safe waterway. I think we have still kept records. As of last year, we just had one major incident, which was almost towards the end of the year, which was very sad for us, because Lagos has gone the whole year without any major incidents,” he stated.
He added that the structured high-level training programme blends self-paced learning, dynamic online mentorship, and hands-on practical sessions.
Emmanuel stressed that together, these pioneers will usher in a new era of safety culture on Lagos waterways.
He said, “Permit me at this point to say that over 10 years ago, when I started working in LASWA, I remember accidents were a frequent occurrence on these waterways. I would go home thinking, I hope they’re not going to call me and tell me there’s an accident that is coming.
“We just want to continue to emphasise that we cannot overemphasise safety. Safety is so important. Before we talk about prosperity, before we talk about better health, we need to imbibe the safety culture.”
He stated that the collaboration with Interferry is a testament to Lagos’ unwavering commitment to safeguarding every passenger on every vessel and every single day, reaffirming the government’s dedication to creating a safe, efficient, and world-class inland waterway system for all.
Earlier, the Chief Executive Officer of Interferry, Mike Corrigan, said the programme is the company’s commitment to improving safety in the developing world.
“Because we know that safe waterways are critical to stimulating economies and growth. We understand and know that it’s an 18-month programme with 18 different modules. And we are going to be along with you for the entire ride. While we can’t be there in person for the entire journey, we plan to get there whenever we can,” he said.
A representative of the Lagos Area Office of the National Inland Waterways Authority, Kelvin Abah, congratulated LASWA and Interferry on the historic launch.
“As the apex regulatory body of NIWA, NIWA is proud to be associated with this laudable initiative. Safety is a shared mission, and we appreciate the 18-month programme. Reliable water transportation is the bedrock of the blue economy. LASWA is setting a stellar benchmark for water safety,” Abah said.
A representative from the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, Mr Stanley Wali, said that the initiative shows a commitment to enhancing safety in the maritime ecosystem.
“Safety is a top priority; the programme is timely. Safety on the waterways is a shared responsibility, and NIMASA remains committed to delivering international conventions for the country. This is aimed at reducing loss of lives and property on the waterways,” he said.
The 18-month programme aims to train 50 boat operators to elevate ferry safety standards, enhance operational efficiency, and improve professional competencies across the Lagos water transport sector.
