By Seun Ibiyemi
The Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA), in partnership with Interferry, has commenced the practical phase of the Ferry Safety Development Programme (FSDP) with its first in-person training session held at the Caverton Marine Ferry Building Facility in Badore, Ajah, Lagos.
The training, which attracted 50 participants from across the maritime sector, focused on ferry design and construction, vessel safety standards, maintenance practices, and operational best practices aimed at enhancing safety and efficiency on Nigeria’s inland waterways.
The session was coordinated by Engr. Ukeme Sunday, Programme Coordinator of the FSDP, and featured a hands-on technical presentation by the General Manager of Caverton Marine, Mr. Mohammed Ibrahim. Drawing from more than 40 years of industry experience, Ibrahim provided participants with practical insights into ferry construction standards, vessel maintenance requirements, and critical safety measures necessary for sustainable ferry operations.
Speaking on the significance of the programme, the Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Blue Economy, Mr. Oluwadamilola Emmanuel, said the practical component was designed to complement the programme’s virtual mentoring sessions and self-paced learning modules.
According to him, exposing participants to real-world operational environments and industry best practices is crucial to developing the technical competencies required to improve safety standards and operational performance across the waterways sector.
“The practical training offers participants the opportunity to gain firsthand experience and deepen their understanding of industry standards, which is essential for building a safer and more efficient ferry transportation system,” he said.
LASWA commended Interferry for sponsoring the initiative and Caverton Marine for hosting and facilitating the inaugural practical training session.
The authority also acknowledged the Lagos State Government’s continued support for maritime safety, human capital development, and the growth of the state’s blue economy.
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The Ferry Safety Development Programme, the first of its kind in Africa, is an 18-month capacity-building initiative designed to strengthen technical expertise, promote operational excellence, and foster a strong safety culture within the ferry and inland waterways transport sector.
Industry stakeholders have described the programme as a significant step toward improving safety standards and supporting the sustainable development of water transportation in Lagos and across Nigeria.
LASWA reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing safety, professionalism, and operational efficiency on the state’s waterways through strategic partnerships and continuous capacity development initiatives.
