By Sandra Chukwunyere
The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to safer waterways with the launch of its first Ferry Safety Development and Mentoring Programme, a move seen as a major step toward building a secure and globally competitive blue economy.
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Speaking at the programme in Lagos on Wednesday, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Blue Economy, Mr. Oluwadamilola Emmanuel, said the initiative reflects the state’s deliberate efforts to prioritise safety while expanding water transportation.
Mr. Oluwadamilola Emmanuel, Special Adviser to the Governor on Blue Economy speaking at the programme on Wednesday.
The mentorship programme, organised by the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) in collaboration with Interferry, a global ferry association with consultative status at the International Maritime Organization (IMO), brings together key stakeholders in the maritime sector to strengthen operational standards.
Emmanuel described the initiative as historic, noting that the blue economy remains central to the development agenda of President Bola Tinubu’s administration. He stressed that improving safety across Lagos waterways is not optional but a critical responsibility.
He explained that over the next 18 months, 50 selected ferry professionals—including captains, engineers, deckhands, and safety officers—will undergo intensive training designed to enhance their technical capacity and operational efficiency.
According to him, the programme will combine self-paced learning, virtual mentorship, and practical hands-on sessions, ensuring participants gain both theoretical knowledge and real-world experience.
“This collaboration with Interferry underscores Lagos State’s strong commitment to protecting lives on our waterways and ensuring that every journey is safe,” Emmanuel said, urging participants to take full advantage of the opportunity.
Also speaking, the Chief Executive Officer of Interferry, Mr. Mike Corrigan, said the initiative is part of a broader global effort to improve ferry safety in emerging economies while supporting sustainable economic growth.
Corrigan noted that similar programmes had previously been implemented in Asia-Pacific countries such as the Philippines and Indonesia, before expanding to Africa in 2024 in response to growing safety concerns.
He recalled that a series of workshops held in cities like Dar es Salaam and Marrakesh laid the groundwork for the initiative, while a major regional safety conference hosted in Lagos in 2025 attracted about 250 industry stakeholders.
According to him, that conference ultimately led to the development of the current 18-month mentorship programme, which features structured training modules and ongoing support from Interferry experts and international volunteers.
He added that the organisation remains committed to long-term collaboration, with plans to extend the programme across Nigeria and other African countries to significantly improve safety standards for both passengers and crew.
In his remarks, Mr. Kelvin Abah of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) commended LASWA and Interferry for the initiative, describing it as a critical intervention in the sector.
Abah emphasised that safety on the waterways is a collective responsibility, adding that efficient and reliable water transport is essential for unlocking the full potential of the blue economy. He noted that Lagos is setting a commendable benchmark for other states.
Similarly, Mr. Stanley Wali of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) described the programme as timely, noting that it represents a bold step toward strengthening safety standards across Nigeria’s maritime industry.
Wali reaffirmed NIMASA’s commitment to upholding international maritime conventions, stressing that increased knowledge sharing and collaboration among stakeholders would play a vital role in reducing accidents and improving overall safety on the waterways.
