The Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) has unveiled Africa’s first Ferry Safety Development and Mentoring Programme in collaboration with Interferry, a global ferry industry body with consultative status at the International Maritime Organisation (IMO).
The 18-month initiative is set to commence on May 6 at LASWA’s headquarters in Ikoyi, Lagos, and aims to strengthen safety protocols, enhance operational efficiency, and elevate professional standards within Nigeria’s ferry transport sector.
A total of 50 participants have been selected for the programme, cutting across key roles in the industry, including ferry captains, deckhands, marine engineers, technicians, safety officers, compliance experts, and fleet managers.
Sources indicate that an intake verification exercise was conducted on March 18, 2026, to ensure that all candidates met the required eligibility criteria.
The training will adopt a hybrid format, blending self-paced online modules, virtual mentoring, and monthly hands-on practical sessions. Core areas of focus include ferry design and construction, safety management systems, maritime regulations, as well as preventive and predictive maintenance strategies.
Participants will benefit from mentorship by Interferry experts, alongside contributions from facilitators drawn from Nigerian maritime institutions, industry leaders, and regulatory bodies.
The official launch, scheduled for 11:00 a.m., will feature programme briefings, the introduction of mentors and participants, and a stakeholder engagement session.
LASWA stated that the initiative underscores the Lagos State Government’s commitment to safer waterways and the development of a globally competitive ferry transportation system.