The Lagos State Waterways Authority, LASWA has completed the third module of Africa’s first Ferry Safety Development and Mentoring Programme, training 50 emerging ferry professionals in safety, emergency preparedness and incident response.
The programme, organised in partnership with Interferry, is aimed at strengthening safety standards and building professional capacity in the inland waterways sector across Africa.
Held throughout July 2026, the module combined virtual learning with practical training to equip participants with critical ferry safety skills and operational best practices.
Academic sessions were facilitated by experts from the Nigerian Institute of Oceanography and Marine Research (NIOMR), Dr. Bolaji Dunsin and Dr. Ayaobu-Cookey, while participants also engaged in an interactive session with BC Ferries’ Vice President of Marine Operations, Darren Johnston, who shared global best practices in ferry safety.
The practical training took place on July 29 at the Prime Atlantic Safety Services (PASS) training facility in Ogun State, where participants received hands-on instruction in emergency procedures, including abandon ship drills, man overboard response, rescue operations and first aid.
LASWA General Manager and Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Blue Economy, Oluwadamilola Emmanuel, commended the PASS training team for delivering practical, world-class instruction and strengthening ferry safety capacity.
He also appreciated PASS Managing Director, Folake Soyannwo, for providing access to the facility, and Interferry for sponsoring the pioneering programme.
Emmanuel further acknowledged Interferry’s Director of Conferences and Finance, Shari Corrigan, for her commitment to advancing ferry safety and mentoring the next generation of ferry professionals in Africa.
With the completion of the ferry safety module, the programme will move into its fourth phase, Introduction to Engine Systems, scheduled for August 2026.
LASWA said the initiative continues to promote safer, more efficient and sustainable inland waterway transportation by developing a highly skilled and safety-conscious ferry workforce for Lagos, Nigeria and the African continent.