The Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA), in collaboration with Interferry, has launched a landmark capacity-building initiative that has seen 50 maritime professionals enrolled in Africa’s first Ferry Safety Development and Mentorship Programme, designed to significantly enhance safety standards and operational efficiency across Lagos waterways.
The 18-month programme brings together a diverse cohort of ferry captains, deckhands, marine engineers, safety officers, compliance personnel, and fleet managers.
It adopts a blended learning approach that combines self-paced online modules, structured virtual mentorship sessions, and monthly hands-on practical engagements delivered by a mix of international Interferry experts and leading local maritime professionals.
The curriculum is focused on critical areas such as ferry design and construction, safety management systems, maritime regulations, and preventive and predictive maintenance practices.
In a statement signed on Monday, LASWA said the initiative underscores the Lagos State Government’s continued commitment to improving safety across inland waterways, reducing operational risks, and promoting higher professional standards within the ferry transport sector.
The agency noted that the programme is part of broader efforts to modernise water transportation and align operations in Lagos with globally recognised maritime safety benchmarks.
LASWA added that the development will contribute to building a more efficient, reliable, and internationally competitive inland water transport system capable of supporting the state’s growing mobility needs.
According to the statement, all 50 participants were carefully selected following a rigorous verification exercise concluded in March 2026 to ensure only qualified and experienced professionals were admitted into the programme.
The agency also confirmed that the training officially begins in May 2026, with a formal kick-off session scheduled to introduce participants, mentors, and key stakeholders, while also outlining the programme’s structure, expectations, and long-term impact on Lagos waterways governance and safety reforms.