The Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) and the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) say that they are strengthening their collaboration to ensure safety and security on the waterways during the Yuletide.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Blue Economy, Mr Damilola Emmanuel, said this in a statement on Monday in Lagos.

Emmanuel said that the collaboration was as a result of the travel activities which are expected to increase across water transport corridors this December.

He noted that the joint effort reinforced the commitment of both agencies to safeguarding lives, promoting seamless operations, and enhancing stakeholder cooperation across all inland waterways in Lagos.

“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,” he said.

The governor’s aide said that the key pillars of the joint LASWA and NIWA festive safety and security strategy included enhanced joint patrols.

He said: “There will be coordinated patrols by LASWA, NIWA, marine police, and community safety volunteers along major routes and terminals, especially during peak periods and at night.

“There will be 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.

“There will be real-time monitoring and swift safety advisories to operators and commuters, including route adjustments where needed”.

Emmanuel noted that passengers and crew members showing signs of intoxication would be denied boarding to protect all onboard.

He urged passengers to always abide by the regulations, which included wearing life jackets properly as required, and obeying safety instructions from crew and authorities.

The governor’s aide added that the regulations also entailed avoiding boarding overloaded vessels, supervising children and reporting suspicious or unsafe activities.

He urged operators to ensure valid licenses, complete passenger manifests, updated safety equipment, and display of emergency contact signage clearly.

He added that operators should maintain properly trained crews, enforce capacity limits and report any incidents.

Emmanuel urged passengers and operators to report emergencies to the nearest LASWA or NIWA official at terminals, or the hotline numbers prominently displayed at jetties and terminals.

Also commenting, the Area Manager, NIWA Lagos Area Office, Mrs Sarat Braimah, noted that the season was a time for celebration.

“We can only achieve safe and enjoyable travels when everyone, regulators, operators, and passengers play their part.

“Together, we will ensure safe navigation and compliance on all waterways,” she said.

The Lagos State Government, through the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA), says the Omi Eko Project will be launched on Friday, Oct. 17 at the iconic Five Cowries Terminal, Falomo.

LASWA General Manager, Mr Oluwadamilola Emmanuel, said this in a statement on Wednesday in Lagos.

Emmanuel noted that the event marked a pivotal milestone in the state’s unwavering commitment to sustainable development, cutting-edge water transportation, and smart city innovation.

“The launch will draw distinguished government officials, development partners, key stakeholders, community leaders, and the press to witness the debut of this transformative initiative.

“Scheduled to start at 10.00 a.m., the event will feature appearances by dignitaries, compelling keynote speeches, a virtual overview of the Omi Eko Project, and the ceremonial unveiling by Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu,” he said.

The LASWA boss noted that the Omi Eko Project was poised to revolutionise Lagos’s water transportation landscape by integrating innovative technology, strengthening terminal infrastructure, and championing environmental sustainability.

He said that with the deployment of over 78 high-capacity electric ferries, digital ticketing systems, intelligent terminals, and safety innovations, the project would significantly reduce commute times and establish a reliable, modern transportation option for millions.

“The Five Cowries Terminal, a central hub of intermodal transport in Lagos, will serve as the perfect location for this launch, symbolising the seamless integration of land and water mobility as outlined in the Lagos Urban Mobility Plan.

“Members of the media are invited to cover this historic event. Press kits and interview opportunities will be readily available,” he said.

The Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) has confirmed a fire incident at the Ipakodo Ferry Terminal in Ikorodu, involving the LAGFERRY vessel, “Igbega Eko,” which was en route to Victoria Island.

According to the Public Affairs Unit of LASWA, the incident occurred at approximately 6:45 am on Thursday.

Upon receiving the distress call, LASWA’s emergency response team swiftly mobilized to the scene, working in close coordination with LAGFERRY, other boat operators and first responders to manage the situation effectively.

We are pleased to report that all passengers and crew on board were evacuated safely, though four passengers suffered minor injuries and are currently receiving medical attention.

We are currently conducting thorough preliminary investigations into the cause of the incident, collaborating with LAGFERRY and other stakeholders to ensure a comprehensive assessment.

Safety is our utmost priority, and we are committed to implementing any necessary recommendations to enhance fire prevention measures throughout the Lagos waterways.

LASWA assures the public that all safety protocols remain intact and ferry operations are proceeding as scheduled. We encourage all passengers to stay calm and adhere to safety guidelines while enjoying our waterways.

We will provide further updates as investigations progress.

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The Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) says its ‘Omi Eko’ water transport project will gulp €410 million.

The General Manager of LASWA, Mr Oluwadamilola Emmanuel, said this in a statement made available to newsmen on Thursday in Lagos.

Emmanuel said the project to be financed largely via Global Gateway Initiative with the support of the French Development Agency (AFD), European Union (EU), and the European Investment Bank (EIB).

He said the AFD, EU and EIB would invest €360 million in the project with a counterpart fund of €40 million by the Lagos State Government, while the balance of €10 million would be by the private sector.

“The Omi Eko project is a visionary initiative aimed at transforming Lagos’ inland waterways into a world-class transportation network and a catalyst for urban and economic development.

“Implemented by the Lagos State Government through the Lagos State Waterways Authority, the project implementation is now set to commence this year and will run till 2030.

“The Omi-Eko project focuses on harnessing the potential of the city’s vast waterways to provide sustainable, efficient, and eco-friendly transportation solutions while driving tourism and community growth,” he said.

Emmanuel noted that the project would ameliorate the heavy traffic on Lagos roads by providing a reliable alternative through water transportation and integrating ferry services with existing road and rail networks.

“The project aims to create a seamless multimodal transportation system,” he said.

He said the initiative included dredging and navigation of 15 ferry routes, deployment of 78+ large capacity electric ferries, construction and rehabilitation of 25 ferry terminals with charging stations.

He added that these terminals would feature several modern amenities such as parking facilities, waiting areas, digital payment systems and safety equipment.

“The Omi Eko project deliberately place strong emphasis on protecting Lagos’ waterways and the environment by using eco-friendly ferries with low-emission engines thereby reducing water and environmental pollution.

“The project underscores the importance of Public Private Partnership in creating opportunities for local businesses, artisans, and entrepreneurs by stimulating activities along waterfront communities and tourism hubs.

“Safety is a cornerstone of the project, therefore, LASWA is enforcing strict safety protocols, conducting public education campaigns, and ensuring that all passengers, boat operators, and stakeholders understand the importance of adhering to safety measures.

“A smart ticketing system using the cowry card payment technology is to be adopted to improve passenger convenience and reduce waiting times,” he said.

He said the Omi Eko project envisioned Lagos as a city where the waterways serve as more than a mode of transportation but as a vibrant space for innovation, commerce, and community life.

He said the project would set a benchmark for sustainable urban development in Africa by connecting communities and reducing the strain on the city’s roads.

“The Omi Eko project is a testament to the spirit of Lagos: bold, innovative, and forward-thinking—building a future where the waterways become the heart of the city’s transformation.

The Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA), State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) and the Dolphin Swim School, have partnered to train 200 school pupils on waterways safety, swimming skills in four years.

The Commissioner for Transportation, Mr Oluwaseun Osiyemi, made this known at the swimming training for public schools in Somolu/Bariga Local Council Development Area (LCDA) on Friday in Lagos.

The swimming training is one of LASWA’s advocacy programmes tagged, “The Lagos Water Savvy Kids Programme.”

Osiyemi said that the initiative, which was in its 4th edition, had been in stages with 50 pupils being trained annually.

He said the training was to boost patronage of waterways transportation, tackle water transport phobia and reduce road congestion.

He added that the programme would promote safe swimming and clear the phobia for water transportation in the state.

Osiyemi said that taking the programme, to Shomolu/Bariga area was a tough decision as their schools do not connect to water for daily transportation.

He, however, added that beyond that, children are the best people to communicate whatever message they are trying to pass to their parents as regards using waterways.

“It goes a long way if the children can pass the message of confidence to their parents and break the phobia and fear of water transportation.

“Our waterways is very important to us for transportation. We all know what is going on, on land as regards the congestion on our roads.

“The governor is particular about transportation because moving people and goods from Point A to B is something we have to be intentional about in Lagos, bearing in mind that we have a very small state in size, but with over 22 million people residing in Lagos,” he said.

The commissioner said that government was creating other options to move people around, which was why it introduced the multi-modal transportation – road, rail and water, in Lagos.

“With all of that, there must be some level of integration, but first we must be able to have confidence in our waterways.

“We have done many initiatives in the last couple of months; we have new ferries of international standards that you can be rest assured that when you get in them, not only will you be comfortable from Point A to B but also assured that there is safety,” he said.

He urged the pupils not to throw away whatever they had been taught in the programme but rather to tell their parents to improve on their skills in order not to get rusty.

Osiyemi further assured that the programme would continue across the state, adding that the results of the four editions so far supported the fact that government should increase the number from the current 50.

Earlier, the General Manager of LASWA, Mr Oluwadamilola Emmanuel, noted that the programme was to promote swimming culture, and to get more people attuned to the fact that Lagos was surrounded by water.

“This is the fourth edition of the Water Savvy Kids Programme, which is our contribution to ensuring that we get Lagos residents more acquainted with waterways transportation, cleanliness and also sustainability of the waterways system in Lagos State.

“The programme holds once a year, and this year we have 50 pupils from schools in Somolu and Bariga. And the selection was done by SUBEB through a random selection.

“It must be primary school because we want to start from when they are young, right from the bottom, as part of the pyramid in the educational system,” he said.

Also, Manager/Head of Dolphin Swim School, Sopuluchukwu Onuegbu, disclosed that the school had so far trained 200 children since partnering LASWA in the past four years on water safety skills and survival around the water.

“Together, we are creating a safer water environment and future for these children, helping them to build their water confidence, and we hope that this continues,” she said.

Similarly, the Director of Bloomgrey Recreation, which owned the swimming pool, Mrs Azukaego Ekpe, said that for them and the children since the whole week, it was a dream come true increasing water education around the environment.

The highlight of the event was exhibition of skills by the pupils and the presentation of certificates by the commissioner to the pupils.

The Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) says the test running of the Omibus ferry will commence on July 29.

Mr Oluwadamilola Emmanuel, General Manager, LASWA, announced this on Friday in a statement in Lagos.

“We are thrilled to announce the Omibus pilot programme launching from July 29.

“This initiative, powered by the Ministry of Transportation and LASWA aims to revolutionise waterway commuting in Lagos.

“Join us for a week of testing our Omibus ferries, collecting essential data, and increasing public awareness about the future of waterway transportation in Lagos,” he said.

Emmanuel announced the pilot programme scheduled as follows: “For morning trips, from Ikorodu – Ebute Ero – CMS, departure from Ikorodu would be by 7.00 a.m.

“Ikorodu – Victoria Island (Addax) – Falomo: 7.00 a.m., departure from Ikorodu.

“Badore – Victoria Island (Addax) – Falomo: 7.00 a.m., departure from Badore.

“For evening trips: CMS – Ikorodu: 4.30 p.m., departure from CMS. Falomo – Ikorodu: 5.30 p.m., departure from Falomo; Falomo – Badore: 5.30 p.m., departure from Falomo,” he said.

He said that commuters would experience the Omibus ferries first-hand during the pilot phase.
The LASWA boss added that passengers were required to pay with Cowry Card, urging them to simply tap in with their Cowry card to board.

“We are gathering feedback to refine our service for the full launch. The ferry is designed to international safety standards and offers a comfortable and secure journey.

“Our ferries are internationally recognised for safety and quality, providing a top-notch travel experience.

“Join us on this journey towards a better, congestion-free Lagos,” he said.

The Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) on Thursday said two persons were killed at a boat mishap which occurred at the Powerline, Ikoyi-link bridge in Ikoyi area of the state.

LASWA made the disclosure in a statement by Dr Olufemi Damilola Oke-Osanyintolu for
LASEMA on Thursday, saying that 15 other passengers were unharmed

According to him, the Agency responded to distress calls and upon it arrival at the incident scene, discovered that a boat conveying 17 passengers from Sandfil heading to Ikorodu had capsized.

”Further investigation gathered from the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) officials revealed that the driver of the boat rammed into a high tension pole flooded by water which led to the unfortunate incident.

”Unfortunately, two adults lost their lives (a male and a female) and other (15) passenger were unharmed.

”The body of an adult female was retrieved from the water and subsequently transported from the incident scene to LASWA head office at Falomo before it was confirmed dead by the LRU paramedics.”

He added that the adult female remains have been bagged and await the arrival of the SEHMU officials.

Oke-Osanyintolu said the search for the body of the adult male is ongoing.

”The Agency responders alongside LRU Paramedics, Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Lagos State Waterways Authority and Nigeria Police Force were joint responders at the incident scene.”