Lagos Launches Africa’s First Ferry Safety Development, Mentoring Programme
OLORUNDARE ENIMOLA, Lagos
The Lagos State Waterways Authority has announced the launch of Africa’s first Ferry Safety Development and Mentoring Programme in partnership with Interferry, in a move aimed at strengthening safety standards and operational efficiency in the water transportation sector.
LASWA disclosed in a statement that the 18-month programme is designed to improve ferry safety practices, enhance technical competence and promote professionalism among ferry operators across the state’s waterways sector.
According to the agency, the initiative will provide participants with mentorship from Interferry experts alongside facilitators drawn from maritime institutions, maritime companies and regulatory agencies within Nigeria.
The statement noted that an intake verification exercise for applicants was successfully concluded on March 18, 2026, to ensure compliance with eligibility and selection requirements.
A total of 50 participants were selected for the pioneering programme, including ferry captains, deckhands, marine engineers and technicians, safety officers, compliance professionals and fleet managers.
LASWA said the programme curriculum would focus on ferry design and construction, safety management systems, maritime regulations, preventive and predictive maintenance techniques, as well as operational best practices.
The agency added that the programme would adopt a hybrid learning structure comprising self-paced online courses, virtual mentoring sessions and monthly practical training exercises, with classes scheduled to commence in May 2026.
The official kick-off ceremony is slated for Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at the LASWA Head Office in Ikoyi, Lagos.
According to the statement, the launch event will feature presentations on the programme structure, introduction of mentors and participants, as well as stakeholder engagement sessions on improving ferry transportation safety in Lagos.
LASWA described the initiative as part of the Lagos State Government’s broader commitment to safer waterways and the development of a globally competitive ferry transportation system.
