The Lagos State Waterways Authority has launched Africa’s first Ferry Safety Development and Mentoring Programme in partnership with Interferry to improve safety standards and professionalism in Nigeria’s inland water transport sector.
The 18-month programme is set to officially begin on May 6 at LASWA’s headquarters in Ikoyi, Lagos. It is designed to enhance operational efficiency, strengthen safety practices, and improve regulatory compliance across the ferry industry.
According to LASWA, 50 participants were selected for the initiative, drawn from different segments of the maritime sector. These include ferry captains, deckhands, marine engineers, safety officers, compliance professionals, technicians, and fleet managers.
An eligibility verification exercise was conducted on March 18, 2026, to confirm that all selected participants met the required standards for participation.
The training will run on a hybrid model combining online self-paced learning, virtual mentorship sessions, and monthly hands-on practical training. Core areas of focus include ferry design and construction, maritime safety management systems, regulatory compliance, and preventive and predictive maintenance techniques.
Mentorship support will be provided by experts from Interferry, alongside facilitators from Nigerian maritime institutions, regulatory bodies, and industry stakeholders.
LASWA stated that the initiative reflects the Lagos State Government’s commitment to improving safety on waterways and building a more professional and efficient ferry transport system.
The launch event will also feature programme briefings, introduction of mentors and participants, and stakeholder engagement sessions involving key actors in the maritime sector.