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The Lagos State Government has launched Africa’s first-ever Ferry Safety Development and Mentoring Programme, reinforcing its commitment to safer inland waterways and positioning the state as a continental leader in maritime innovation.
Speaking at the launch on Wednesday, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Blue Economy, representing Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, described the initiative as a landmark step in advancing safety standards across the sector.
The 18-month programme, implemented through the Lagos State Waterways Authority, will train 50 selected ferry professionals—including captains, engineers, deckhands, and safety officers—through a hybrid model combining online learning, mentorship, and practical sessions.
According to the state government, the initiative is designed to institutionalize a strong safety culture on Lagos waterways, which are central to its Blue Economy agenda.
A key highlight of the programme was the State’s partnership with Interferry, an international body with consultative status at the International Maritime Organization (IMO). The collaboration is expected to align local ferry operations with global best practices.
“The safety of every passenger on our waterways is non-negotiable,” the Special Adviser stated, emphasizing that the programme reflects the administration’s broader goal of building a world-class, efficient, and secure water transport system.
Participants were charged to see themselves as pioneers and industry leaders tasked with transforming ferry operations not only in Lagos but across Africa.
With this initiative, Lagos further cements its role as a pacesetter in maritime development, setting a benchmark for other African cities seeking to modernize their water transport systems.
