Lagos hosts regional ferry safety conference in landmark maritime partnership

By Seun Ibiyemi

The Lagos State Government has joined forces with the Maritime Organization of West and Central Africa (MOWCA) and Interferry, a global authority on ferry safety, to host a major regional ferry safety conference in Lagos.

Oluwadamilola Emmanuel, Managing Director of the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA), disclosed the development in an interview with journalists, noting that Lagos was chosen as the host by MOWCA due to its increasing reputation for prioritising safety on inland waterways.

“Ferry safety is crucial, especially as water transportation becomes more prominent,” Emmanuel said. He described the collaboration as a timely move, adding, “Interferry has never held a conference in West or Central Africa. We believed there was no better moment than now.”

The conference has brought together international maritime safety experts to enhance safety standards in ferry operations across the region.

Over the years, LASWA has introduced a series of safety initiatives, including compulsory life jacket use, biannual boat inspections, real-time monitoring of jetties, and enhanced communication systems with vessels in transit. The agency has also partnered with companies such as Yamaha to train captains and deckhands, building local capacity and operational competence.

Emmanuel explained that LASWA’s control room, which features real-time data collection and surveillance technology, has significantly improved safety strategy formulation. “Data informs our decisions,” he said. “It helps us identify high-traffic areas that need more resources.”

He also referenced the Omni Eco Project, a major reform programme poised to transform Lagos' water transport network. The project includes the introduction of electric ferries, the upgrading of terminals and jetties, dredging works, and infrastructure investments totalling €400 million.

Despite a temporary dip in passenger numbers following the removal of fuel subsidies, LASWA expects a rebound. With daily ridership currently exceeding 50,000, Emmanuel is optimistic the figure could double once infrastructure and confidence improve.

He noted that while LASWA continues to enhance regulatory oversight, the government is also encouraging informal ferry operators to form cooperatives in order to promote inclusive sector growth.

“Safety has improved,” Emmanuel stated. “But we believe it is the media and the public who should judge whether Lagos is now Nigeria’s safest state for water transportation.”

Echoing this view, Mike Corrigan, CEO of Interferry, praised LASWA’s commitment to safety. “We are here in Lagos to learn, but also to support LASWA’s impressive mission to improve waterway safety,” he said.

Corrigan described LASWA’s progress as commendable and reaffirmed Interferry’s readiness to assist. “It’s a remarkable effort, which is why we are proud to be part of the process,” he added.

Interferry, which represents nearly 300 global ferry operators, brought a 12-member team of safety specialists to the conference. “Our expertise spans navigation, vessel operations, and life-saving protocols. We’re here to share global insights and provide technical support,” Corrigan said.

He confirmed that LASWA has now been admitted as an official member of Interferry, a move he described as “a major milestone” in international collaboration.

“Lagos is currently the only Nigerian state we are working with, but we hope to expand our presence across Africa to strengthen ferry safety and infrastructure continent-wide,” Corrigan concluded.