Lagos Launches Africa’s First Ferry Safety Mentorship Programme to Boost Water Transport Standards

Lagos Launches Africa’s First Ferry Safety Mentorship Programme to Boost Water Transport Standards

The Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA), in partnership with Interferry, has unveiled Africa’s first Ferry Safety Development and Mentoring Programme, a landmark initiative designed to strengthen safety standards, improve operational efficiency, and professionalize ferry operations across Lagos waterways.

The programme, which carries consultative backing from the International Maritime Organization (IMO), is structured as an 18-month intensive capacity-building effort. It will provide participants with access to mentorship from leading global ferry safety experts, alongside facilitators drawn from maritime institutions, regulatory bodies, and private sector operators within Nigeria.

According to LASWA, a rigorous intake verification process was concluded on March 18, 2026, ensuring that only qualified candidates meeting strict eligibility benchmarks were selected.

A total of 50 participants—including ferry captains, deckhands, marine engineers, safety officers, compliance professionals, and fleet managers—have been admitted into the inaugural cohort. The training curriculum will cover critical areas such as ferry design and construction, safety management systems, maritime regulatory compliance, and both preventive and predictive maintenance practices.

The programme adopts a hybrid learning approach, combining self-paced digital modules, virtual mentoring sessions, and monthly hands-on practical training. It is scheduled to commence in May 2026.

The official launch is slated for Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at the LASWA Head Office in Ikoyi, Lagos, where stakeholders will be introduced to the programme framework, mentors, and participants. The event will also feature a strategic engagement session aimed at fostering collaboration across the maritime sector.

LASWA noted that the initiative reflects the Lagos State Government’s commitment to enhancing safety on inland waterways while positioning the state’s ferry transport system to meet international standards.