Lagos Launches Africa’s First Ferry Safety Development, Mentoring Programme

Lagos Launches Africa’s First Ferry Safety Development, Mentoring Programme

The Lagos State Government has launched Africa’s first-ever Ferry Safety Development and Mentoring Programme, a landmark initiative aimed at strengthening safety standards and professionalism across the state’s waterways sector.

Speaking at the official launch in Lagos, the Special Adviser overseeing the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) described the programme as a historic milestone for both Lagos and the African maritime industry, noting that the initiative reflects Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s commitment to developing the state’s Blue Economy and ensuring safer waterways transportation.

According to the Special Adviser, the programme is designed to equip ferry operators and maritime professionals with world-class safety knowledge, technical skills, and leadership capacity.

“Today, we are not just launching a programme; we are making history with Africa’s very first Ferry Safety Development and Mentoring Programme. Once again, Lagos is setting the pace for the continent,” the official stated.

The government disclosed that over the next 18 months, 50 selected ferry professionals, including captains, deckhands, marine engineers, safety officers, and fleet managers, will undergo intensive training and mentorship under the programme.

The training, which will be delivered through a hybrid learning structure, will combine self-paced courses, online mentorship sessions, and practical hands-on training facilitated by experts from Interferry and leading Nigerian maritime institutions.

The LASWA boss emphasized that the partnership with Interferry, an organization with consultative status at the International Maritime Organization (IMO), would ensure that participants are trained according to international best practices and global ferry safety standards.

The state government further reiterated its commitment to protecting passengers and improving confidence in water transportation across Lagos.

Addressing the participants, the Special Adviser urged them to embrace the opportunity and become ambassadors of safety and professionalism within the maritime sector.

“You bear both great honour and profound responsibility. Through LASWA, we are investing in your potential as leaders and changemakers. The eyes of Lagos and Africa are upon you,” the official said.

The Lagos State Government reaffirmed its dedication to building a safe, efficient, and globally competitive waterways transportation system, expressing optimism that the programme would become a model for other African countries seeking to improve ferry operations and marine safety.