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The Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA), in partnership with Interferry, has commenced the practical phase of the Ferry Safety Development Programme (FSDP), marking a significant milestone in efforts to enhance safety standards and technical competence within Nigeria’s inland waterways sector.
The first in-person training session of the programme was held at the Caverton Marine Ferry Building Facility in Badore, Ajah, Lagos, bringing together 50 participants for intensive hands-on learning and industry engagement.
Coordinated by Engr. Ukeme Sunday, the session focused on critical areas including ferry design and construction, vessel safety standards, maintenance procedures, and operational best practices aimed at improving safety and efficiency across the ferry transportation value chain.
A major highlight of the training was a practical technical session led by Caverton Marine’s General Manager, Mohammed Ibrahim, who leveraged more than 40 years of industry experience to provide participants with valuable insights into vessel construction, maintenance requirements, regulatory compliance, and essential safety considerations for ferry operations.
Speaking on the significance of the initiative, the Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Blue Economy, Mr. Oluwadamilola Emmanuel, said the practical training component was designed to complement the programme’s virtual mentoring and self-paced learning modules.
According to him, exposing participants to real-life operational environments and industry best practices is crucial to developing the expertise required to drive safer, more efficient, and sustainable ferry operations across the state’s waterways.
He noted that the programme aligns with the Lagos State Government’s commitment to strengthening maritime safety, promoting capacity development, and advancing the blue economy agenda.
LASWA also commended Interferry for sponsoring the programme and Caverton Marine for hosting and facilitating the inaugural practical session, describing both organisations as critical partners in the quest to improve safety standards within the ferry transport sector.
The Ferry Safety Development Programme, the first of its kind in Africa, is an 18-month capacity-building initiative designed to strengthen technical knowledge, promote operational excellence, and foster a strong safety culture among ferry operators and other stakeholders in the inland waterways industry.
Industry observers believe the programme will play a pivotal role in reducing operational risks, enhancing service delivery, and supporting the long-term growth of water transportation as a viable component of Lagos State’s transportation network and blue economy ecosystem.
