With passenger traffic expected to surge along water transport routes this December, the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) and the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) have launched a reinforced joint safety and security campaign to guarantee safer travel during the festive season.
The joint effort reinforces the commitment of both agencies to safeguarding lives, promoting seamless operations, and enhancing stakeholder cooperation across all inland waterways in Lagos.
In a statement by Mr. Damilola Emmanuel, Special Adviser to the Governor on the Blue Economy said “Safety on our waterways is not negotiable.
“This collaboration with NIWA amplifies our enforcement capacity and improves coordination with security agencies, vessel operators, and local communities to ensure a secure and joyful festive season for all waterway users.”
Key Pillars of the joint LASWA–NIWA festive safety and security strategy include enhanced joint patrols, coordinated patrols by LASWA, NIWA, Marine Police, and community safety volunteers along major routes and terminals, especially during peak periods and at night.
Others are joint safety checks and inspections on all commercial passenger vessels before and during the holidays and random spot checks to enforce regulatory compliance, operational licensing, and safety equipment standards.
The joint will also disseminate Advanced Weather & Water Condition Monitoring information implement strict zero-alcohol boarding Policy as passengers and crew members showing signs of intoxication will be denied boarding to protect all onboard.
The agencies warned that passengers must wear life jackets properly as required, obey safety instructions from crew and authorities, avoid boarding overloaded vessels and supervise children and report suspicious or unsafe activities.
Boat operators were also admonished to ensure their lives licenses were valid at all times just as passenger manifests safety equipment are completed and updated safety equipment.
- “This season is a time for celebration, and we can only achieve safe and enjoyable travels when everyone regulators, operators, and passengers plays their part,” the Area Manager, NIWA Lagos Area Office, added. “Together, we will ensure safe navigation and compliance on all waterways.”
