By Sandra Chukwunyere
The Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) has concluded the third module of Africa’s first Ferry Safety Development and Mentoring Programme, further advancing efforts to strengthen safety standards and professional capacity within the inland waterways sector.
The module, which focused on ferry safety, equipped 50 emerging ferry professionals with essential knowledge and practical skills in emergency preparedness, incident response and operational safety. The training forms part of LASWA’s broader strategy to develop a competent and safety-conscious workforce capable of supporting the growth of water transportation across Lagos and the African continent.
According to a statement issued by LASWA’s Corporate Communications Department, the programme was organised in partnership with Interferry and held throughout July 2026. It combined self-paced virtual learning with intensive practical training sessions designed to expose participants to real-life safety situations.
Academic sessions were facilitated by Dr. Bolaji Dunsin and Dr. Ayaobu-Cookey of the Nigerian Institute of Oceanography and Marine Research (NIOMR), while participants also benefited from an interactive “Ask the Expert” session with Mr. Darren Johnston, Vice President, Marine Operations at BC Ferries, who shared global best practices in ferry safety and operations.
The practical training took place on July 29, 2026, at the Prime Atlantic Safety Services Limited (PASS) training facility in Ogun State. Participants received hands-on instruction in critical emergency response procedures, including abandon-ship drills, emergency alarm recognition, mustering and headcount procedures, use of personal protective equipment, survival craft deployment, man-overboard response techniques, rescue operations and first aid.
The Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Blue Economy and General Manager of LASWA, Mr. Oluwadamilola Emmanuel, commended the PASS training team, led by Senior Training Instructor Mr. Gbenga Kuku, for delivering high-quality practical instruction and helping participants gain valuable operational experience.
He also expressed appreciation to the Managing Director of PASS, Mrs. Folake Soyannwo, for providing access to the facility and supporting initiatives aimed at improving safety standards in the ferry sector.
Emmanuel further acknowledged Interferry for sponsoring the pioneering programme and specifically praised Mrs. Shari Corrigan, Director of Conferences and Finance at Interferry and Executive Sponsor of FerrySafe, for her commitment to advancing ferry safety and mentoring future ferry professionals across Africa.
The LASWA General Manager noted that the successful completion of the ferry safety module marks another important milestone in the programme’s objective of raising professional standards and promoting a culture of safety within the inland waterways industry.
With the completion of Module Three, the programme will now proceed to Module Four, titled Introduction to Engine Systems, which is scheduled to run throughout August 2026.
LASWA stated that the initiative continues to set new standards for professional excellence by developing technically proficient and safety-conscious ferry personnel who will contribute to safer, more efficient and sustainable inland waterway transportation in Lagos, Nigeria and across Africa.
The statement was signed by the Corporate Communications Department of the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA).
