The Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) has reinforced its commitment to safer and more efficient inland waterway transportation with the successful completion of the third module of Africa’s first Ferry Safety Development and Mentoring Programme, equipping a new generation of ferry professionals with essential safety and emergency response skills.

The programme, organised in partnership with Interferry, trained 50 emerging ferry professionals in ferry safety, emergency preparedness and incident response, providing participants with the practical knowledge and technical expertise required to enhance safety standards across the inland waterways sector.

Held throughout July 2026, the module combined self-paced virtual learning with intensive practical training. The academic sessions were facilitated by Dr. Bolaji Dunsin and Dr. Ayaobu-Cookey of the Nigerian Institute of Oceanography and Marine Research (NIOMR), while participants also benefited from an interactive “Ask the Expert” session with Mr. Darren Johnston, Vice President, Marine Operations, BC Ferries, who shared global best practices in ferry safety and operations.

The practical training was conducted on July 29, 2026, at the Prime Atlantic Safety Services Ltd. (PASS) training facility in Ogun State, where participants underwent hands-on exercises in emergency response procedures. The training covered abandon ship drills, emergency alarm recognition, mustering, headcount, use of personal protective equipment, survival craft preparation and deployment, as well as man overboard response techniques, vessel manoeuvring, rescue deployment and first aid.

The Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Blue Economy and General Manager of LASWA, Mr. Oluwadamilola Emmanuel, commended the PASS training team, led by Senior Training Instructor Mr. Gbenga Kuku, alongside other instructors, for delivering high-quality practical instruction and their commitment to strengthening ferry safety capacity.

He also appreciated the Managing Director of PASS, Mrs. Folake Soyannwo, for her support and for providing access to the state-of-the-art training facility that made the practical exercise possible.

Mr. Emmanuel further acknowledged Interferry for sponsoring the pioneering initiative and expressed appreciation to Mrs. Shari Corrigan, Director, Conferences and Finance at Interferry and Executive Sponsor of FerrySafe, for her continued commitment to advancing ferry safety and mentoring the next generation of ferry professionals across Africa.

With the successful completion of the third module, the programme will now proceed to Module Four, Introduction to Engine Systems, scheduled to run throughout August 2026.

LASWA noted that the Ferry Safety Development and Mentoring Programme continues to set new benchmarks for professional excellence by developing competent, safety-conscious and technically proficient ferry personnel who will contribute to safer, more efficient and sustainable inland waterway transportation in Lagos, Nigeria and across the African continent.