By Providence Ayanfeoluwa

The Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA), in collaboration with Interferry, has commenced the practical phase of the Ferry Safety Development Programme (FSDP) with its inaugural in-person training session at the Caverton Marine Ferry Building Facility in Badore.

The training which started today marks a significant step in advancing maritime safety and operational excellence across Nigeria’s waterways.

The training session, coordinated by Engr. Ukeme Sunday, brought together 50 participants for an intensive learning experience.

The programme covered critical areas such as ferry design and construction, vessel safety standards, maintenance practices, and operational best practices. Participants were exposed to both theoretical and practical modules designed to enhance their technical competence and safety awareness.

A major highlight was the hands-on technical session led by Caverton Marine’s General Manager, Mr. Mohammed Ibrahim. With over four decades of industry experience, Ibrahim shared invaluable insights into vessel construction standards, maintenance requirements, and safety protocols. His practical demonstrations provided participants with a deeper understanding of the complexities of ferry operations and the importance of adhering to global safety benchmarks.

Speaking at the training, Special Adviser to the Governor on Blue Economy, Mr. Oluwadamilola Emmanuel, underscored the significance of the practical component of the programme. He explained that the initiative was designed to complement virtual mentoring and self-paced learning modules, ensuring participants gain exposure to real-world operational environments. Emmanuel emphasized that building technical capacity is crucial to achieving safer and more efficient waterways in Lagos and beyond.

LASWA expressed gratitude to Interferry for sponsoring the programme and to Caverton Marine for hosting the inaugural session. The Authority also acknowledged the Lagos State Government’s unwavering support for maritime safety, capacity development, and the advancement of the blue economy.

According to LASWA, the collaboration reflects a shared commitment to positioning Lagos as a model for safe and sustainable inland water transport.

The Ferry Safety Development Programme, the first of its kind in Africa, is an 18-month initiative aimed at strengthening technical competence, promoting operational excellence, and fostering a robust safety culture across the ferry and inland waterways sector. By combining classroom instruction with practical exposure, the programme seeks to build a new generation of professionals equipped to meet global standards in ferry operations.