Lagos Launches Africa’s First Ferry Safety Mentorship Programme
OLORUNDARE ENIMOLA, Lagos
The Lagos State Government has launched what it described as Africa’s first Ferry Safety Development and Mentoring Programme, aimed at strengthening safety standards and capacity development across the state’s waterways sector.
Speaking at the launch on behalf of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Special Adviser overseeing the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) described the initiative as a landmark step in advancing ferry safety and reinforcing Lagos’ leadership in the continent’s maritime sector.
He said the programme aligns with the administration’s Blue Economy agenda and reflects the government’s commitment to building a safe, efficient and world-class waterways transport system.
According to him, the initiative will see 50 ferry professionals undergo an 18-month intensive training and mentorship programme facilitated by global ferry association, Interferry, alongside Nigerian maritime institutions and regulatory bodies.
The participants include captains, deckhands, marine engineers, safety officers and fleet managers.
He explained that the hybrid programme would combine self-paced learning, online mentorship sessions and practical hands-on training designed to promote a stronger safety culture within the waterways transportation sector.
The Special Adviser noted that the partnership with Interferry, which has consultative status with the International Maritime Organization (IMO), would ensure that ferry operators in Lagos are trained according to global best practices.
He said the collaboration demonstrates the state government’s determination to safeguard passengers and improve operational standards across all ferry services operating on Lagos waterways.
Addressing the participants, he urged them to embrace the opportunity and contribute meaningfully to improving safety standards in the sector.
He added that the state government was investing in their development as future leaders and professionals capable of driving positive transformation within the maritime industry.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to waterways transportation, the Special Adviser said Lagos would continue to pursue policies and programmes that support safe and sustainable water transport under the administration’s Blue Economy vision.
He thereafter officially declared the Ferry Safety Development and Mentoring Programme open, expressing optimism that the initiative would serve as a model for other African countries seeking to improve ferry safety operations.
