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  • LASWA reaffirms night travel ban ahead of Ilashe beach concert

    LASWA reaffirms night travel ban ahead of Ilashe beach concert

    The Lagos State Waterways Authority LASWA has reiterated that night time travel on the states inland waterways remain prohibited, warning residents and visitors against attempting water transport after sunset.

    The authority gave the reminder on Sunday ahead of the Fuji concert by popular musician Alhaji Sule Alao Malaika scheduled to hold at Ilashe Beach, noting that the restriction applied to both commercial and private boat operations.

    LASWA said all boat movements on Lagos waterways were restricted to daylight hours in order to reduce risks associated with poor visibility and navigational hazards, stressing that the policy is aimed at safeguarding lives and property.

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    The authority urged fun seekers and other passengers travelling to Ilashe and similar waterfront destinations to plan their trips properly, arrive early and ensure they complete their return journeys before nightfall.

    It also warned boat operators to strictly comply with approved operating hours and safety regulations, including the compulsory use of life jackets by all passengers.

    LASWA added that it was working jointly with the National Inland Waterways Authority NIWA and other safety and security agencies to intensify patrols across the waterways, noting that violators would be sanctioned in line with existing laws.

  • LASWA, NIWA reiterate safety rules after Igbologun boat mishap

    LASWA, NIWA reiterate safety rules after Igbologun boat mishap

    The Lagos State Waterways Authority and the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) on Tuesday reiterated the importance of strict adherence to safety measures on inland waterways, particularly during the festive period, following a boat mishap near the Igbologun water channel in Lagos.

    The incident, which occurred at about 8:35 pm along the Nigerdock axis of the Igbologun channel, involved a Savvy Marine passenger boat that was en route from Ilashe Beach House, according to the two waterways authorities.

    In a joint statement, LASWA and NIWA said they immediately activated their search and rescue teams after receiving a distress alert. The rescue effort, carried out in collaboration with the Marine Police and other first responders, led to the rescue of four passengers, who were taken to a nearby hospital for medical attention.

    The authorities confirmed that six other passengers were recovered dead at the scene, while search and rescue operations remained ongoing to account for all persons involved in the incident.

    Preliminary findings indicated that the mishap may have resulted from a collision with a submerged object, though the authorities stressed that investigations were still ongoing to fully determine the cause of the accident.

    While expressing condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims, LASWA and NIWA used the incident to reiterate the need for heightened safety consciousness during the festive season, when water transport activities typically increase.

    They urged boat operators and passengers to comply strictly with all safety regulations, including proper navigation practices and the no night travel rule, noting that many accidents on the waterways were preventable through compliance with established guidelines.

  • LASWA, NIWA strengthen joint safety measures on Lagos waterways for festive season

    LASWA, NIWA strengthen joint safety measures on Lagos waterways for festive season

    The Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) and the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) have strengthened joint safety and security measures across Lagos waterways in December as passenger traffic rose ahead of the festive season.

    The agencies said the coordinated effort is aimed at ensuring safer movement of passengers, protecting lives, and improving operational discipline across key water transport corridors in the state.

    The Special Adviser to the Governor on the Blue Economy said the collaboration has expanded enforcement capacity and improved coordination with security agencies, vessel operators, and waterfront communities during the high travel period.

    He said safety on the waterways remained non-negotiable, adding that the joint operation is designed to guarantee a secure festive experience for all users of Lagos water transport routes.

    As part of the renewed enforcement drive, coordinated patrols have been carried out by officials of LASWA, NIWA, the Marine Police, and community safety volunteers along major waterways and terminals, particularly during peak travel hours and at night.

    As part of the coordinated safety operations, commercial passenger vessels would be subjected to joint safety inspections before and during the holidays, while random spot checks would be conducted to ensure compliance with operational licensing requirements and safety equipment standards.

    The agencies would also strengthen real-time monitoring of weather and water conditions on key routes and issue safety advisories to operators and commuters when necessary, including route adjustments where conditions pose risks to navigation.

    A strict zero alcohol boarding policy would be enforced, with passengers and crew members who show signs of intoxication denied boarding in a bid to prevent accidents and protect lives on the waterways.

    Passengers have been advised to wear life jackets properly, obey safety instructions from crew and enforcement officers, avoid boarding overloaded vessels, and maintain close supervision of children during water travel.

    Boat operators have also been directed to ensure they operate with valid licenses, complete passenger manifests, and functional safety equipment. They are also required to clearly display emergency contact information at terminals and onboard vessels and to maintain properly trained crew members while observing approved capacity limits.

  • LASWA demonstrates search and rescue capacity in Lagos Lagoon rescue

    LASWA demonstrates search and rescue capacity in Lagos Lagoon rescue

    The Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) has said its prompt response and coordination in last Saturday’s accident on the Third Mainland Bridge showed its capacity to lead effective search and rescue operations on the state’s waterways.

    A Toyota Camry saloon car had plunged into the Lagos Lagoon inward Iyana Iworo in the early hours of the day, killing two persons.

    LASWA’s public affairs unit said, “Our search and rescue team responded immediately upon receipt of the distress call. Working with local divers, we were able to confirm that the vehicle carried a female occupant, identified as Aisha, aged between 25 and 35 years. Her body was swiftly recovered and handed over to her family.”

    The authority explained that initial reports indicated she was the only passenger, but later findings confirmed the presence of a second victim.

    Read Also: LASWA begins statewide waterways safety campaign, distributes life jackets at jetties

    “Follow-up investigations established that the car also had a second passenger, identified as Chado Daniel Danladi, aged 31, residing at 7 Oremeta Street, Off Opebi Link Bridge, Ikeja. He was confirmed to be a colleague of the first victim. His body was recovered during an extended search and rescue operation and has since been delivered to his family,” the agency said.

    LASWA noted the cooperation among agencies at the scene. “Our operation was carried out in seamless coordination with the Marine Police, the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), and the Rapid Response Squad (RRS). We also acknowledge the valuable assistance of local fishermen, whose efforts played a crucial role in the recovery process,” it said.

    The authority described the incident as another demonstration of the strength of Lagos State’s waterway emergency framework. “This incident underscores the effectiveness of our coordinated emergency response and the strong community support that enhance the state’s capacity in managing waterway emergencies. We remain committed to ensuring safety and rapid response in all such incidents,” it said.

  • LASWA begins statewide waterways safety campaign, distributes life jackets at jetties

    LASWA begins statewide waterways safety campaign, distributes life jackets at jetties

    The Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) has commenced its 2025 Waterways Safety Sensitisation Programme, distributing certified life jackets across major jetties and riverine communities in the state.

    The campaign, which kicked off this week, forms part of LASWA’s ongoing efforts to promote a culture of safety among passengers and operators on Lagos inland waterways, especially during the peak of the rainy season.

    At several operational jetties including Falomo, Ijede, Sangotedo, Badore, Ito-Omu, Tarzan, and Baiyeku, LASWA officers carried out live demonstrations and engaged commuters, boat operators, and residents in safety talks.

    The sessions focused on proper life jacket usage, emergency response techniques, and compliance with the authority’s operational guidelines for safe ferry travel.

    As part of its “No Life Jacket, No Boarding” policy, LASWA distributed hundreds of branded life jackets to passengers, in addition to informational leaflets, souvenirs, notebooks and pens — all aimed at reinforcing public awareness and encouraging responsible behaviour on the waterways.

    Speaking at one of the sensitisation stops, a LASWA official explained that the campaign is designed to address rising safety concerns during the rainy season, a period marked by rougher tides, increased wind surges, and poor visibility.

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    “We are being proactive. The rainy season brings additional risks, and our presence here today is to educate and equip waterway users to stay safe,” the official said.

    The programme has drawn commendation from boat users and residents in riverine communities, many of whom hailed LASWA’s continued commitment to public safety and its visibility in underserved areas.

    “This is not the first time LASWA is coming here, and each time they do, it shows they truly care about our safety,” a resident at Baiyeku Jetty noted.

    The authority urged the public to remain safety-conscious at all times and reminded passengers that boarding without a life jacket remains prohibited on all state-monitored waterways.

  • LASWA partners PiCNG to introduce CNG-powered ferries in Lagos

    LASWA partners PiCNG to introduce CNG-powered ferries in Lagos

    The Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) is advancing Nigeria’s climate agenda by partnering with the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas (PiCNG) to transition the state’s water transport sector to cleaner fuel alternatives.

    As part of the collaboration, LASWA is exploring the deployment of ferries powered by compressed natural gas (CNG) to reduce carbon emissions and modernize public transportation across Lagos’ inland waterways.

    During a strategic meeting involving marine transport stakeholders—boat operators, technical experts, and private energy firms—the feasibility and implementation framework for adopting CNG as an alternative marine fuel was discussed.

    LASWA’s General Manager, Mr. Oluwadamilola Emmanuel, described the move as a key component of the agency’s long-term strategy to align water transport development in Lagos with global sustainability standards. 

    “This partnership is a critical step towards achieving a greener, safer and more affordable water transport system in Lagos,” Emmanuel said. “With cleaner energy sources like CNG, we can lower emissions, reduce operating costs for transporters, and support the state’s broader mobility goals.”

    The collaboration with PiCNG reflects growing synergy between federal and state actors in the drive for clean energy.

    Read Also: LASWA, MOWCA partner on safety at regional conference

    Engr. Michael Oluwagbemi, the CEO of the Presidential Initiative, said the move builds on the federal government’s success with CNG in the road transport sector and signals readiness to expand that momentum to marine transport. “We are working to provide the technical, policy and financial support that will make marine CNG adoption viable,” he said.

    Beyond its environmental impact, the initiative could reshape water mobility in Lagos, making ferries not only more sustainable, but more reliable and accessible. It also situates Lagos as a national leader in subnational climate action, proving that cities and states can drive meaningful change, even ahead of national mandates.

  • LASWA, MOWCA partner to strengthen waterways safety

    LASWA, MOWCA partner to strengthen waterways safety

    The Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) has partnered with the Maritime Organisation of West and Central Africa (MOWCA) and the global ferry association, Interferry, in a renewed drive to enhance safety across the state’s inland waterways.

    The partnership, formalised during a facility tour of key jetties and terminals in Lagos on Monday, is aimed at assessing existing safety levels and identifying areas for improvement through knowledge sharing, training, and international collaboration.

    General Manager of LASWA, Mr. Damilola Emmanuel, who hosted the delegation, said the collaboration was part of efforts by the state government to sustain and deepen safety reforms on water routes.

    Speaking on the agency’s ongoing efforts to improve safety on Lagos’ inland waterways, the General Manager of LASWA, Mr. Damilola Emmanuel, outlined a series of targeted interventions.

    “Safety begins with the basics,” he said. “We have made the use of life jackets mandatory, and our water guards are stationed at jetties to enforce compliance among all passengers and crew.”

    He explained that LASWA conducts biannual inspections of all registered boats to ensure they meet operational and safety standards. “This regular check not only keeps vessels in shape but also helps us identify and correct potential hazards before they escalate,” he said.

    To modernise oversight and respond swiftly to incidents, the agency has integrated technology into its operations. “We now monitor several of our jetties in real time and maintain direct communication with boat operators during their journeys,” Emmanuel stated. “This allows for quicker response in emergencies and better coordination overall.”

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    In addition to infrastructure and monitoring, the agency has intensified its public sensitisation and training programmes. “We consistently engage passengers on safety protocols and run workshops for boat captains and deckhands, many of which are organised in partnership with firms like Yamaha,” he noted.

    Interferry, which is engaging with West Africa for the first time, is a global safety organisation with members across Europe, the Americas, and Asia. Its Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Mike Corrigan, disclosed that 12 maritime safety experts had joined the Lagos tour to assist LASWA in identifying and addressing safety gaps.

    “We’re here to share what we’ve learned globally and offer LASWA our guidance and technical support,” Corrigan stated. “LASWA is now a member of Interferry, and Lagos is currently the only African city with which we have this level of engagement.”

    He added that the association views Africa as a critical frontier for expanding ferry safety standards and intends to increase its presence on the continent.

  • Six injured in fire incident receiving medical attention, says LASWA

    Six injured in fire incident receiving medical attention, says LASWA

    The Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) has stated that six of the nine passengers who sustained injuries are receiving treatment at the Lagos State General Hospital, Ikorodu.

    They were injured in the fire outbreak aboard the Igbega Eko Vessel, at Ipakodo Ferry Terminal earlier on Thursday. 

    In all nine , made up of passengers, LASWA personnel, and LagFerry staff, are receiving medical attention and showing significant improvement, a statement by the LASWA’s Public Affairs Unit stated.

    According to the statement: “Six individuals are under care at General Hospital, Ikorodu, where medical personnel dedicated to ensuring their optimal recovery are closely monitoring them.

    “Three others are receiving stable treatment at a private hospital, and no life-threatening conditions have been reported.”

    LASWA assured that it would continue to collaborate with medical teams to ensure all affected individuals recover completely. We stand ready to support them and their families during this time.

    It also assured that investigation into the cause of the incident is underway, and a comprehensive safety reviews are being conducted to prevent any similar occurrences. We commend the swift response of emergency services and acknowledge the public’s cooperation during this event.

  • LASWA removes hazardous dredging pipe threatening Ikorodu waterway users

    LASWA removes hazardous dredging pipe threatening Ikorodu waterway users

    In a swift move to enhance waterway safety, the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) has successfully removed a dangerously installed dredging pipe that posed a threat to ferry operators and commuters along the power line route in Ikorodu.

    Confirming the development, LASWA General Manager Oluwadamilola Emmanuel stated that the agency remains committed to ensuring the safety of Lagos’ inland waterways.

    “The poorly installed pipe, left behind by a dredging company, obstructed the movement of two passenger ferries and damaged their hulls, creating a potential hazard for waterway users,” Emmanuel said.

    Read Also: Lagos NANS, LASWA partner to drive students awareness, safety on water

    Upon receiving reports of the obstruction, LASWA’s patrol team conducted an on-site inspection and swiftly installed marker buoys to guide ferry operators and ensure safe navigation.

    “This effort emphasised LASWA’s vigilance in monitoring and managing the waterways to prevent accidents. This swift action of demarcating the danger area and installation of marker buoys prevented what could have been a catastrophic incident,” Emmanuel added.  

    The LASWA boss called on dredging companies, marine operators, and stakeholders to strictly adhere to safety and environmental guidelines to avoid future incidents of this nature.

    He also emphasised the importance of collaboration between dredging companies, boat operators, and waterfront communities in maintaining safe and navigable waterways.

  • LASWA trains 50 pupils in swimming

    LASWA trains 50 pupils in swimming

    Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) has trained 50 pupils drafted from public schools in Bariga/Somolu axis in swimming and waterways safety.

    This year’s edition under the Lagos Water Savvy Kid’s Programme was a week-long event that saw the pupils trained in water safety skills and swimming to promote riverine school children’s safety.

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    At the closing of the event held at Bloomgrey Pool, Gbagada, the General Manager of LASWA, Mr. Oluwadamilola Emmanuel, reiterated Lagos State Government’s commitment to ensuring safety for waterway users, particularly school children, highlighting LASWA’s efforts in providing life jackets and boating education to riverine schools. Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Oluwaseun Osiyemi, emphasised the importance of water safety education in reducing accidents and promoting sustainable transportation, noting that the programme aligned with the state’s Transportation Master Plan.

     The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Transportation, Mr. Olawale Musa, stressed the need for community engagement and collaboration in achieving a safer and more inclusive water transportation system, encouraging parents and community leaders to support the initiative.