Lagos Champions Ferry Safety at 2025 Regional Conference on Water Transport
... Unveils Blueprint for Safer Inland Waterways in Africa
Kathy Kyari
The Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, has advocated for a unified, technology-driven approach to ensure safe and efficient water transportation across Africa’s rapidly urbanizing coastal cities.
Dr Hamzat stated this while delivering the opening address at the 2025 Regional Ferry Safety Conference organised by the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) in partnership with the Maritime Organization of West and Central Africa (MOWCA) and INTERFERRY in Lagos.
The conference focused on the theme “Charting Safer Waters: Advancing Ferry Safety Through Innovation, Collaboration, and Integrated Transport Solutions,”.
Dr Hamzat highlighted the state’s significant investments in modern ferry terminals, digital monitoring systems, patrol and rescue boats, and the locally constructed standard ferries known as Omi Bus.
He also announced the launch of Nigeria’s first Inland Waterways Monitoring and Data Management Centre to improve emergency response and surveillance on Lagos waters.
“In a megacity like Lagos, with over 25 million residents, water transportation is no longer a luxury it is a necessity,” Dr. Hamzat noted.
He further stressed the importance of regional cooperation, calling for harmonized safety frameworks, intelligence sharing, standardized training, and the adoption of advanced technologies such as GPS, radar systems, and smart ferry designs.
Reaffirming Lagos State's leadership role, he stated the government remained committed to building a water transport system that is “safe, efficient, accessible, and sustainable.”
Also speaking at the event, Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Oluwaseun Osiyemi, echoed the call for stronger regional collaboration.
He pointed to the transformation of the state’s inland waterways under the administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and noted that ferry transport has become a critical component of urban mobility in the state.
“Maritime safety is not a destination, it is a continuous journey. This journey requires collaboration, capacity building, and policy alignment. Our collective goal should be to ensure that every ferry passenger across the region feels confident and protected.”
In his welcome remarks, Engr. Damilola Emmanuel, Managing Director of LASWA, described the conference as a timely platform to elevate ferry transport as a central pillar of Africa’s urban mobility and blue economy agenda.
“We are here to harmonize policies, elevate technical standards, integrate real-time digital solutions, and promote sustainable coastal development through safe ferry transport,” he said. He noted that Lagos stands as an example of how coordinated efforts between public institutions, private operators, and local communities can yield safe, scalable, and inclusive ferry systems.
Engr. Emmanuel revealed that the conference would include panel discussions, technical workshops, and interactive sessions on vessel design, digital innovation, emergency response, and regulatory frameworks.
Delegates were also expected to explore how best to adapt global best practices from INTERFERRY to suit the African maritime context.
He expressed appreciation to Governor Sanwo-Olu, MOWCA, INTERFERRY, and other stakeholders for their commitment to innovation and collaboration in regional water transport development.
The conference drew participants from across the West and Central African maritime landscape, including ferry operators, regulatory agencies, safety experts, development partners, and community advocates.
The two day event is expected to culminate in a regional action plan where a comprehensive plan will be unveiled to harmonize ferry safety standards, enhance regional collaboration, and integrate innovative technologies to secure inland waterways in West and Central Africa.
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