By Providence Ayanfeoluwa

The Lagos State Waterways Authority, LASWA has said that it is investing in the potential of 50 ferry professionals as leaders and changemakers.

This is even as Fifty exceptional ferry professionals will embark on a transformative journey of training and mentorship, in the next 18 months, guided by world-class experts from Interferry and Nigeria’s leading maritime institutions.

Speaking at the launch of Ferry Safety Development and Mentoring Program in Lagos, Special Adviser to the Governor on Blue Economy and General Manager of LASWA, Damilola Emmanuel, said that

this structured, hybrid training program blends self-paced learning, dynamic online mentorship, and hands-on practical sessions.

He said that these pioneers included: captains, deckhands, marine engineers, safety officers, and fleet managers would ignite a new era of safety culture on Lagos’s waterways.

He said: “Ensuring the safety of everyone who journeys on our waterways is not just a duty, it is a calling.

“Our partnership with Interferry is a source of immense pride. Their IMO consultative status guarantees that our ferry operators are trained to the world’s highest standards. This collaboration is a testament to Lagos’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding every passenger, on every vessel, every single day.

To our fifty participants: you bear both great honor and profound responsibility. Through LASWA, we are investing in your potential as leaders and changemakers. Embrace this opportunity, rise to the challenge, and rememberthe eyes of Lagos and Africa are upon you.

As the steward of LASWA and the Blue Economy agenda, and on behalf of Governor Sanwo-Olu, I proudly reaffirm our government’s dedication to creating a safe, efficient, and world-class waterways system for all.

Also, Chief Executive of Interferry, Mike Corrigan, said that safe waterways are critical to stimulating economies and growth.

He explained that Ferris Safe Program is Interferi’s commitment to improving safety in the developing world.

“Interferi’s Ferris Safe Program goes back a number of years. First in the Asia-Pacific region, in places like the Philippines and Indonesia. And came to Africa in 2024.”.