LASWA Launches Africa’s First Ferry Safety Mentoring Programme in Partnership with Interferry

The Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) has launched Africa’s first Ferry Safety Development and Mentoring Programme, in partnership with Interferry, the global ferry industry association that holds consultative status at the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

The 18-month programme, which kicks off Wednesday, May 6, at LASWA’s Head Office in Ikoyi, Lagos, is designed to strengthen safety practices, improve operational efficiency, and raise professional standards among ferry industry operators in Nigeria.
Fifty participants drawn from across the sector, including ferry captains, deckhands, marine engineers and technicians, safety officers, compliance professionals, and fleet managers — have been selected for the intensive initiative.

An intake verification exercise was conducted on March 18, 2026, to ensure all participants met eligibility and selection criteria.

Training will be delivered through a hybrid model combining self-paced online learning, virtual mentoring sessions, and monthly in-person practical sessions. Key modules will cover ferry design and construction, safety management systems, maritime regulations, and both preventive and predictive maintenance techniques.

Mentorship will be provided by Interferry experts, supported by facilitators from Nigerian maritime institutions, leading industry companies, and regulatory agencies.

The launch event, scheduled for 11:00 a.m., will feature programme briefings, the formal introduction of mentors and participants, and a stakeholder engagement session.

LASWA described the initiative as part of the Lagos State Government’s commitment to building safer waterways and developing a professionally competitive ferry transportation system.

For enquiries, contact Programme Coordinator Ukeme Sunday on 0803 342 2279 or at sakpan@lagoswaterways.com, or Michael Ogunbiyi on 0706 589 7577 at mogunbiyi@lagoswaterways.com.