Joyce Mmereole Okoli
In a bold push to improve safety on Lagos inland waterways, the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) has flagged off its 2025 Safety Sensitisation Programme with the distribution of certified life jackets across major jetties and riverine communities in the state.
According to a statement issued on Friday, LASWA General Manager, Mr. Oluwadamilola Emmanuel, said the initiative is part of a broader strategy to boost public confidence in water transport and drastically reduce incidents of boat mishaps.
“This initiative is part of LASWA’s continuous effort to promote a safety-first culture among waterways users,” Emmanuel stated. “We are committed to ensuring passengers and operators understand the importance of safety protocols, especially during this peak rainy season when risks are heightened.”
The sensitisation exercise was conducted across strategic jetties and terminals including Falomo, Ijede, Sangotedo, Badore, Ito-Omu, Tarzan, and Baiyeku. LASWA personnel were deployed to these locations to engage ferry passengers, boat operators, and community members with safety talks, live demonstrations, and free distribution of life jackets.
The campaign also reinforced the agency’s standing “No Life Jacket, No Boarding” policy. In addition to the life jackets, safety materials such as branded notebooks, pens, leaflets, and other souvenirs were shared to encourage compliance and raise awareness.
Mr. Emmanuel noted that the sensitisation sessions covered critical areas such as proper use of life jackets, emergency response measures, and mandatory safety protocols for boarding and operating boats.
“The distribution of these items is not just symbolic it’s about deepening the culture of safety consciousness among all waterways users,” he said.
He further highlighted that this year’s campaign is especially significant as it coincides with the rainy season, a time when maritime travel faces elevated risks due to high tides, strong winds, and low visibility.
The initiative has received praise from local communities and transport stakeholders, who commended LASWA for maintaining a strong presence in underserved riverine areas and sustaining its commitment to waterway safety.