By Oluyinka Onigbinde
The Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) has launched a landmark Ferry Safety Development and Mentoring Programme, positioning Lagos as a continental leader in maritime safety and professional training.
The initiative, developed in partnership with Interferry—a global body with consultative status at the International Maritime Organization—is the first of its kind in Africa. It is designed to strengthen safety practices, improve operational efficiency, and raise professional standards across the ferry transport sector.
The 18-month programme will provide structured mentorship and training led by international ferry safety experts, supported by facilitators from top maritime institutions, industry operators, and regulatory agencies within Nigeria.
According to LASWA, a rigorous screening and verification process conducted on March 18, 2026, ensured that only qualified candidates were selected for the programme. A total of 50 participants drawn from across the industry—including ferry captains, deckhands, marine engineers, technicians, safety officers, compliance professionals, and fleet managers—have been admitted into the inaugural cohort.
Participants will undergo comprehensive training covering critical areas such as ferry design and construction, safety management systems, maritime regulations, and both preventive and predictive maintenance practices. The goal, officials say, is to equip operators with the technical knowledge and practical skills required to meet global safety benchmarks.
The programme will be delivered through a hybrid model, combining self-paced online learning, virtual mentoring sessions, and monthly hands-on practical training. This flexible approach is expected to enhance knowledge transfer while accommodating the operational schedules of industry professionals.
The official launch is scheduled to hold on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at the LASWA Head Office in Ikoyi, Lagos. The event will feature detailed programme presentations, introduction of mentors and participants, and a stakeholder engagement session aimed at fostering collaboration within the maritime sector.
Industry observers note that the initiative comes at a critical time when attention is increasingly focused on safety standards across Nigeria’s inland waterways. By aligning local practices with international standards, the programme is expected to significantly reduce risks, improve service delivery, and build public confidence in water transportation.
LASWA said the programme underscores the Lagos State Government’s commitment to ensuring safer waterways while developing a modern, efficient, and globally competitive ferry transport system.
Stakeholders believe that if successfully implemented, the initiative could serve as a model for other African countries seeking to enhance maritime safety and capacity development in the sector.
