LASWA Completes Third Phase Of Ferry Safety Mentoring Programme, Trains 50 Professionals

The Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) has completed the third phase of Africa’s first Ferry Safety Development and Mentoring Programme, equipping 50 ferry professionals with advanced safety and emergency response skills to improve standards across Nigeria’s inland waterways.

The month-long training, conducted throughout July 2026 in partnership with global ferry association Interferry, focused on ferry safety, emergency preparedness and incident response. Participants underwent a combination of self-paced virtual learning and practical exercises designed to strengthen both technical knowledge and operational competence.

Speaking on the programme, the Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Blue Economy and General Manager of LASWA, Mr. Oluwadamilola Emmanuel, said the initiative is intended to establish higher professional standards for ferry operations in Nigeria and across Africa.

According to him, with the completion of the third module, participants will proceed to the fourth phase of the programme in August, where they will receive training on the fundamentals of ferry engine systems.

Emmanuel noted that the mentoring programme is aimed at producing technically proficient and safety-conscious ferry personnel capable of supporting safer, more efficient and sustainable water transportation across the continent.

He also commended Prime Atlantic Safety Services (PASS) for providing its training facilities and Interferry for sponsoring the initiative. Special recognition was given to Interferry’s Director of Conferences and Finance and Executive Sponsor of FerrySafe, Mrs. Shari Corrigan, for her contribution to mentoring the next generation of African ferry professionals.

Academic sessions during the programme were facilitated by experts from the Nigerian Institute of Oceanography and Marine Research (NIOMR), Dr. Bolaji Dunsin and Dr. Ayaobu-Cookey. Participants also engaged in an interactive “Ask the Expert” session with Mr. Darren Johnston, Vice President of Marine Operations at BC Ferries, who shared international best practices in ferry operations and safety management.

The practical component of the training was held at the Prime Atlantic Safety Services facility in Ogun State. Under the supervision of senior training instructor Mr. Gbenga Kuku and other PASS instructors, participants carried out emergency response drills, including abandon ship procedures, survival craft deployment, man overboard rescue operations, vessel manoeuvring, use of personal protective equipment and basic first aid.

LASWA said the programme reflects the Lagos State Government’s commitment to developing a highly skilled workforce and strengthening safety standards within the country’s growing water transport sector.