The General Manager of the Lagos Waterways Authority (LASWA); Mr. Oluwadamilola Emmanuel has said that educational qualification has nothing to do with boating knowledge, adding that boat captains and the deck hands must have undergone basic skills and training before they were certified to operate a boat
Speaking with Shipping Position Daily, Damilola said that the agency has introduced water guards in all the jetties under LASWA control whose responsibility is to ensure safety and compliance.
Also speaking on who has the responsibility for regulating barge operation on the nation’s waterways, between the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) and LASWA, he said the responsibility lies on the two agencies.
He nevertheless said that the agency is planning towards facing out rickety boats on the waterways.
“Definitely, but it is a gradual process because modern boats are very expensive, that is why the government is setting a standard by establishing the LAGFERRY service to serve as a benchmark for new investors coming into the sector”
On the dredging activities in Lagos, the LASWA GM said, “dredging activities in Lagos state is currently under the control and supervision of the Lagos State Ministry of waterfront infrastructure
Emmanuel added that the agency has been able to acquire three additional patrol boats for safety of its personnel.
“The marine police are under the control of the Nigerian police force, however LASWA has its own patrol team comprising of our safety personnel and men of the Counter Terrorists unit of the Nigerian police”.
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