LAGOS/Nigeria: The Lagos State Government has launched a major international ferry safety development initiative aimed at raising operational standards on the waterways and reinforcing its drive toward building a safer and globally competitive blue economy.
The initiative took centre stage at the maiden Ferry Safety Development and Mentoring Programme organised in Lagos by the Lagos State Waterways Authority in partnership with Interferry, a global ferry association with consultative status at the International Maritime Organisation.
Speaking at the event on Wednesday, Special Adviser to the Governor on Blue Economy, Oluwadamilola Emmanuel, described the programme as a landmark intervention that underscored the state government’s determination to prioritise safety across its expanding waterways transport network.
He said the initiative aligned with the broader economic vision of President Bola Tinubu and reflected Lagos State’s ambition to position its marine sector as a critical driver of economic growth and transportation efficiency.
According to Emmanuel, the programme would equip 50 ferry professionals with advanced technical and operational skills over an 18-month period through mentorship and specialised training facilitated by international and local maritime experts.
The participants, he said, include captains, marine engineers, deckhands and safety officers who would undergo a structured hybrid learning process involving self-paced modules, online mentorship and practical field sessions.
He noted that the partnership with Interferry demonstrated Lagos State’s commitment to protecting lives and improving passenger confidence in water transportation.
Emmanuel urged the participants to maximise the opportunity by embracing the intensive training and applying the knowledge gained toward improving safety standards across the waterways sector.
Chief Executive Officer of Interferry, Mike Corrigan, said the programme was designed to improve ferry safety in developing regions while also supporting economic development through reliable marine transportation systems.
Corrigan explained that the initiative, which began in Asia-Pacific countries including the Philippines and Indonesia, was extended to Africa in 2024 as part of global efforts to strengthen ferry safety culture and reduce accidents on inland waterways.
He disclosed that previous safety workshops and conferences had been held in Dar es Salaam and Marrakesh, while a major regional ferry safety conference hosted in Lagos in 2025 attracted about 250 industry participants and maritime stakeholders.
According to him, the Lagos conference eventually paved the way for the newly introduced 18-month mentoring and development programme, which would provide continuous technical support through Interferry experts and international volunteers.
Corrigan assured stakeholders of Interferry’s long-term commitment to the initiative, adding that there were plans to expand the programme across Nigeria and other African countries to further improve safety for ferry passengers and crew members.
Representing the National Inland Waterways Authority, Kelvin Abah commended LASWA and Interferry for introducing what he described as a strategic and timely intervention in the maritime sector.
Abah stressed that waterways safety remained a collective responsibility and noted that efficient and secure ferry operations were essential to unlocking the economic opportunities within Nigeria’s blue economy.
Also speaking, Stanley Wali of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency described the programme as a bold step toward improving maritime safety standards nationwide.
He reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to global maritime conventions and said increased knowledge-sharing among operators and regulators would significantly reduce accidents and strengthen operational safety on Nigeria’s waterways.
