By Sandra Chukwunyere
In a bold move to enhance water transportation safety across the continent, Lagos State on Wednesday hosted the 2025 Regional Ferry Safety Conference, unveiling a comprehensive blueprint aimed at harmonizing ferry safety standards, improving regional collaboration, and integrating innovative technologies to secure inland waterways in West and Central Africa.
Themed “Charting Safer Waters: Advancing Ferry Safety Through Innovation, Collaboration, and Integrated Transport Solutions,” the high-level conference is being hosted by the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) in collaboration with the Maritime Organization of West and Central Africa (MOWCA) and INTERFERRY.
Speaking at the opening ceremony on Thursday in Lagos, the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat emphasized that ferry safety must become a regional priority, calling for a harmonized and technology-driven approach to ensure safe and efficient water transportation across Africa’s growing coastal cities.
“In a mega city like Lagos, with over 25 million residents, water transportation is no longer a luxury—it is a necessity,” Dr. Hamzat stated. “However, as we expand this vital sector, we must ensure that safety standards are not only robust but also regionally consistent and technologically advanced.”
Dr. Hamzat disclosed that Lagos has made significant investments in modern ferry terminals, digital monitoring systems, patrol and rescue boats, and locally constructed standard ferries known as Omi Bus. He also announced the establishment of Nigeria’s first Inland Waterways Monitoring and Data Management Centre to improve emergency response and surveillance on Lagos waters.
“But we must acknowledge that ferry safety is not a local issue—it is a regional imperative,” he continued. “This conference must catalyze a shared commitment to harmonized safety frameworks, intelligence-sharing, standardized training, and the adoption of advanced technologies such as GPS, radar systems, and smart ferry designs.”
The Deputy Governor reaffirmed the Lagos State Government’s commitment to leading the charge in building a water transport system that is “safe, efficient, accessible, and sustainable.”
Also speaking, the Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Oluwaseun Osiyemi, echoed the call for stronger regional cooperation in maritime safety. He highlighted the state’s transformation of its inland waterways, driven by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration, and stressed that ferry transport is now a cornerstone of urban mobility.
“Maritime safety is not a destination—it is a continuous journey,” Osiyemi said. “This journey requires collaboration, capacity building, and policy alignment. Our goal must be that every ferry passenger across our region feels confident and protected by the systems in place.”
In his welcome address, Engr. Damilola Emmanuel, Managing Director of LASWA, described the conference as a strategic opportunity to position ferry transport at the center of Africa’s urban mobility and blue economy agenda.
“We are here to harmonize policies, elevate technical standards, integrate real-time digital solutions, and promote sustainable coastal development through safe ferry transport,” he stated. “Lagos is proof that when public institutions, private operators, and communities work together, ferry systems can be safe, scalable, and inclusive.”
Engr. Emmanuel revealed that the conference will feature panel discussions, technical workshops, and interactive sessions on vessel design, digital innovation, emergency response, and regulatory framework development. Participants will also explore ways to adapt global best practices from INTERFERRY to the African context.
He appreciated the support of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, MOWCA, INTERFERRY, and all stakeholders present for their commitment to regional collaboration and innovation in water transport.
Delegates at the conference include ferry operators, transport regulators, safety experts, development partners, community advocates, and representatives from across the West and Central African maritime space. The two-day event is expected to conclude with a regional action plan to elevate safety and operational efficiency in cross-border ferry transport.
With Lagos leading the dialogue, the 2025 Regional Ferry Safety Conference sets a new benchmark for intergovernmental maritime collaboration and points toward a future of safer, smarter, and more sustainable ferry transportation across Africa.
