By Seun Ibiyemi
The Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA), in partnership with Interferry, has completed the third module of Africa’s first Ferry Safety Development and Mentoring Programme, training 50 emerging ferry professionals in critical safety, emergency response and operational procedures aimed at improving inland water transport across the continent.
The authority said the successful completion of Module Three: Ferry Safety marks another milestone in its drive to strengthen safety standards and build a highly skilled workforce for Nigeria’s growing waterways sector.
Held throughout July 2026, the programme combined virtual classroom sessions with hands-on practical training designed to equip participants with essential knowledge in ferry safety, emergency preparedness and incident response.
The academic sessions were facilitated by experts from the Nigerian Institute of Oceanography and Marine Research (NIOMR), Dr. Bolaji Dunsin and Dr. Ayaobu-Cookey, while participants also interacted with Mr. Darren Johnston, Vice President, Marine Operations at BC Ferries, during an “Ask the Expert” session focused on global best practices in ferry operations.
The practical training, conducted at the Prime Atlantic Safety Services (PASS) facility in Ogun State, exposed participants to emergency procedures including abandon ship drills, mustering, deployment of survival craft, man overboard response, rescue operations and first aid.
Speaking on the programme, the Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Blue Economy and General Manager of LASWA, Mr. Oluwadamilola Emmanuel, described the training as a critical step towards developing a safety-conscious and professionally competent workforce for the maritime sector.
He commended the PASS training team, led by Senior Training Instructor Mr. Gbenga Kuku, for delivering world-class practical instruction, while appreciating the Managing Director of PASS, Mrs. Folake Soyannwo, for providing access to the facility.
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Emmanuel also thanked Interferry for sponsoring the initiative and acknowledged the contributions of Mrs. Shari Corrigan, Director of Conferences and Finance at Interferry and Executive Sponsor of FerrySafe, for supporting the development of future ferry professionals across Africa.
Following the completion of the ferry safety module, the programme will proceed to Module Four: Introduction to Engine Systems, scheduled to run throughout August 2026.
According to LASWA, the Ferry Safety Development and Mentoring Programme is designed to establish higher professional standards, improve safety culture and promote sustainable inland waterway transportation in Lagos, Nigeria and across Africa.
