The Lagos State Waterways Authority, LASWA, has entered into an inter-agency partnership with the Centre for Rural Development, CERUD, to establish a Coastal Community First Responder Programme aimed at promoting safe and secure transportation across Lagos waterways.
The initiative was unveiled during a meeting between LASWA officials and the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development at the Secretariat in Alausa.
Speaking at the meeting, the Head of LASWA’s Health, Safety, Security and Environment (HSSE) Unit, Mr. Olademeji Shittu, said the programme is designed to reduce fatalities and losses on Lagos waterways, empower community volunteers through capacity building for sustainable rural development, and equip participants with relevant skills for employment in the maritime sector.
According to him, the programme will also complement LASWA’s search and rescue operations, particularly in remote coastal areas where emergency response is often delayed.
Mr. Shittu highlighted recurring marine incidents and fatalities on Lagos waterways, noting that coastal communities are usually the first responders in emergencies, hence the need for a structured partnership that formally integrates them into response efforts.
He said when fully operational, the programme is expected to significantly reduce emergency response time, improve survival outcomes and incident reporting, and strengthen collaboration between LASWA and coastal communities.
In her remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development, Mrs. Kikelomo Bolarinwa, expressed the Ministry’s readiness, through CERUD, to partner with LASWA in promoting safer and more secure water transportation in the state.
She noted that the initiative aligns with the THEMES Plus Agenda of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu’s administration by supporting rural community empowerment through human capacity building, inclusiveness and resilience.
Also speaking, the Director of CERUD, Mr. Musibau Balogun, assured LASWA of the agency’s commitment to supporting the training and empowerment of volunteers under the programme.
Other officials present at the meeting included Mrs. Oluwatoyin Adeniji, Director of Community Services, MLGCA&RD; Mr. Olusola Ajisafe, Director of Public Affairs, CERUD; Mr. Taiwo Babatunde, Assistant Director in the Office of the Permanent Secretary, MLGCA&RD; Mr. Ibrahim Oladayo, Acting Head of Operations, LASWA; and Mr. Murisiq Adegbite, Senior Scientific Officer, LASWA.