By Seun Ibiyemi
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) and the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) have commenced discussions on a strategic partnership aimed at enhancing safety standards, accident investigation processes and operational efficiency across Lagos waterways.
The move followed a courtesy visit by a delegation from the NSIB to LASWA headquarters in Lagos, where both agencies explored areas of collaboration to improve safety oversight and accident prevention within the inland waterways sector.
During the meeting, the agencies discussed information sharing, capacity building, incident reporting mechanisms, emergency response coordination and technical support for accident investigations and safety management systems.
Speaking during the engagement, the General Manager of LASWA and Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Blue Economy, Mr. Oluwadamilola Emmanuel, underscored the importance of collaboration among relevant agencies in promoting safe and sustainable water transportation.
He noted that the waterways sector remains a critical component of Lagos State’s transportation network, making it essential for stakeholders to work together to improve safety, operational efficiency and public confidence.
According to him, the Lagos State Government remains committed to ensuring that water transportation continues to serve as a safe and reliable alternative for commuters and businesses.
The Director-General of NSIB, Captain Alex Badeh, who led the delegation, highlighted the bureau’s mandate of promoting transportation safety through independent investigations and safety recommendations.
Badeh said closer collaboration with LASWA would enhance efforts to identify safety risks, prevent accidents and strengthen safety culture across the waterways sector.
He explained that the partnership would create opportunities for both agencies to exchange safety-related data, improve accident response frameworks and implement initiatives aimed at reducing incidents on the waterways.
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Both organisations expressed their commitment to building a strong working relationship that would contribute to safer waterways operations and support the continued growth of water transportation in Lagos State.
The discussions also focused on joint safety awareness campaigns, training programmes for operators and stakeholders, as well as the development of practical measures to improve emergency preparedness and response.
At the end of the meeting, both agencies agreed to sustain engagements and explore concrete initiatives that would deliver improved safety outcomes for operators, passengers and other users of Lagos waterways.
Stakeholders believe the collaboration will further strengthen efforts to enhance safety standards and support the development of a more efficient and sustainable inland waterways transportation system in Lagos.
