By Sandra Chukwunyere
As the festive season approaches, the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) and the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) have joined forces to enhance safety and security measures on Lagos waterways. This collaborative effort aims to ensure safe and enjoyable travels for passengers during the festive season. The joint initiative includes a strengthened safety and security campaign, which will be implemented across all inland waterways in Lagos.
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The Special Adviser to the Governor on the Blue Economy emphasized the importance of safety on waterways, stating that “Safety on our waterways is not negotiable.”
He further highlighted that the collaboration with NIWA will amplify enforcement capacity and improve coordination with security agencies, vessel operators, and local communities. This joint effort is designed to promote seamless operations, safeguard lives, and enhance stakeholder cooperation.
The joint LASWA-NIWA festive safety and security strategy has several key pillars. One of the main initiatives is enhanced joint patrols by LASWA, NIWA, Marine Police, and community safety volunteers along major routes and terminals, especially during peak periods and at night. Additionally, the agencies will conduct unified vessel safety compliance checks and inspections on all commercial passenger vessels before and during the holidays.
To ensure compliance with safety regulations, the agencies will conduct random spot checks on vessels, enforcing regulatory compliance, operational licensing, and safety equipment standards. Furthermore, the agencies will provide real-time monitoring and swift safety advisories to operators and commuters, including route adjustments where needed.
Passengers and operators also have a crucial role to play in ensuring safety on waterways. Passengers are advised to wear life jackets properly, obey safety instructions from crew and authorities, avoid boarding overloaded vessels, and supervise children. Operators, on the other hand, must ensure valid licenses, complete passenger manifests, and updated safety equipment, as well as display emergency contact signage clearly.
In the event of an emergency, passengers and operators can report incidents to the nearest LASWA or NIWA official at terminals or call the hotline numbers prominently displayed at jetties and terminals. The agencies have also encouraged passengers and operators to stay informed about live updates, advisories, and real-time festive travel alerts by following LASWA and NIWA on social media.
The Area Manager, NIWA Lagos Area Office, emphasized that “Together, we will ensure safe navigation and compliance on all waterways.” He further highlighted that the festive season is a time for celebration, and safe and enjoyable travels can only be achieved when everyone – regulators, operators, and passengers – plays their part.
The collaboration between LASWA and NIWA demonstrates a commitment to prioritizing safety and security on Lagos waterways. By working together, the agencies aim to create a safe and enjoyable environment for passengers to travel during the festive season. The public can contact the Public Affairs Office of LASWA and NIWA for enquiries and follow their social media handles for live updates and advisories.
This is contained in a statement signed by the Public Affairs Unit (LASWA &NIWA collaboration)
