The Lagos State Waterways Authority, LASWA has launched Africa’s first Ferry Safety Development and Mentoring Programme, a landmark initiative aimed at transforming ferry operations, improving safety standards, and strengthening professionalism across the sector.
The programme, developed in partnership with Interferry, a global ferry association with consultative status at the International Maritime Organization, is designed as an 18-month intensive capacity-building initiative for operators within Lagos’ growing water transport ecosystem.
According to LASWA, the programme will provide structured mentorship from Interferry experts alongside facilitators drawn from leading maritime institutions, regulatory bodies, and industry players within Nigeria.
A total of 50 participants, including ferry captains, deckhands, marine engineers, safety officers, compliance professionals, and fleet managers, have been selected following a rigorous verification process concluded on March 18, 2026.
The curriculum will cover critical areas such as ferry design and construction, safety management systems, maritime regulations, and both preventive and predictive maintenance practices.
The training will be delivered through a hybrid model combining self-paced online learning, virtual mentoring sessions, and monthly hands-on practical training.
The programme is scheduled to officially kick off on May 6, 2026, at the LASWA Head Office in Ikoyi, Lagos, where stakeholders will gather for the formal launch, participant introductions, and strategic engagement sessions.
LASWA say the initiative represents a significant step in the Lagos State Government’s efforts to enhance water transport safety and align local ferry operations with international best practices.
With increasing reliance on waterways as an alternative transport system in Lagos, the programme is expected to strengthen operational efficiency, reduce risks, and position the state’s ferry services to meet global safety benchmarks.
