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The Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) has intensified safety enforcement across ferry terminals and jetties in the state, seizing 120 damaged and expired life-jackets during a sweeping inspection exercise aimed at improving passenger safety and operational compliance on Lagos waterways.
The enforcement drive, which targeted key ferry terminals and jetties including Ipakodo, Bayeku, Ijede, Ebute-Ero, Liverpool, Sabokoji, Alex and Coconut, focused primarily on the seaworthiness of boats and compliance with life jacket safety standards.
During the inspections, officials discovered and confiscated 120 defective life jackets, immediately removing them from circulation to prevent potential risks to commuters and waterway users.
The Authority disclosed that while several operators complied with required safety standards, some vessels were found to require repairs and maintenance to attain full seaworthiness.
LASWA stressed that compliance with safety regulations remains mandatory, maintaining that vessel conditions and the availability of certified and functional life jackets are critical requirements for all operators.
The Authority warned that enforcement operations would continue across ferry terminals and jetties statewide to ensure total adherence to safety standards.
It further reminded operators of their legal responsibility to maintain seaworthy vessels and provide passengers with approved safety equipment at all times.
Reaffirming its commitment to water transportation safety, LASWA said it remains focused on building a safer, more efficient and properly regulated waterways system capable of supporting seamless movement across Lagos State.
Residents and commuters were also encouraged to report safety concerns through the Authority’s communication channels as part of efforts to sustain safety compliance across the waterways sector.
