The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau, NSIB and the Lagos State Waterways Authority, LASWA have initiated discussions on a strategic partnership aimed at improving safety standards, accident investigation processes and operational efficiency across Lagos waterways.
The move followed a courtesy visit by a delegation from NSIB to LASWA’s headquarters in Lagos, where both agencies explored opportunities for collaboration in enhancing safety oversight, information sharing, capacity building and accident prevention within the inland waterways sector.
Speaking during the meeting, the General Manager of LASWA and Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Blue Economy, Oluwadamilola Emmanuel, stressed the importance of collaboration among relevant agencies in advancing safe and sustainable water transportation in Lagos.
According to Emmanuel, the waterways sector has become an increasingly important component of the state’s transportation network, making it necessary for stakeholders to work together to promote safety, operational excellence and public confidence.
“The waterways sector continues to play a critical role in the state’s transportation ecosystem, making it imperative for relevant stakeholders to work together in promoting safety, operational excellence and public confidence,” he said.
Leading the NSIB delegation, Director-General of the Bureau, Alex Badeh, highlighted the agency’s mandate of improving transportation safety through independent investigations and safety recommendations.
Badeh noted that closer collaboration with LASWA would strengthen efforts to identify safety risks, prevent accidents and improve the overall safety culture within the waterways sector.
Discussions between both agencies centred on key areas of cooperation, including safety data exchange, joint public awareness campaigns, training programmes, incident reporting systems, emergency response coordination and technical support for accident investigations and safety management systems.
The two organisations expressed optimism that the partnership would contribute significantly to safer waterways operations and support the continued growth of water transportation in Lagos State.
At the end of the meeting, both agencies agreed to sustain engagements and pursue practical initiatives aimed at enhancing safety outcomes for operators, passengers and other users of Lagos waterways.
The collaboration comes as Lagos State continues to invest in its blue economy agenda and expand water transportation as an alternative mode of commuting for millions of residents.
