By Seyi Babalola
In a decisive move toward enhancing regional maritime safety, Lagos State played host to the Regional Ferry Safety Conference, uniting policymakers, regulators, private operators, and international stakeholders in a high-level dialogue centered on the theme: “Charting Safer Waters: Advancing Ferry Safety Through Innovation, Collaboration, and Integrated Transport Solutions.”
Representing Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu at the event, Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, delivered a compelling address emphasizing the state’s commitment to a safer and more efficient water transport system. Highlighting Lagos’s status as a megacity with over 25 million residents, Hamzat noted the growing necessity of a robust ferry system not only for urban mobility but also for economic growth and tourism.
“This conference is not merely timely; it is essential,” he stated. “In a state like ours… the need for a robust ferry transportation system… is undeniable. However, as we embrace this growth, we must simultaneously uphold rigorous, enforceable, and technologically advanced safety standards.”
Dr. Hamzat pointed to strategic investments made by the Lagos State Government, including modern jetties, ferry terminals, digital monitoring infrastructure, and the deployment of Omi Bus standard ferries—all under the oversight of the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA).
“We have established the first-ever Inland Waterways Monitoring and Data Management Centre,” he added. “But ferry safety transcends local boundaries; it is a regional imperative… GPS, radar, automation, and advanced ship designs are not just options; they are essential.”
He urged West and Central African nations to adopt unified safety protocols and embrace cross-border cooperation, stressing that Lagos is prepared to lead these efforts.
“Let this conference catalyze change… We are not only ready but also resolutely committed to leading the way.”
Echoing this message, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, underscored the pivotal transformation ferry services have undergone in recent years.
“Water transportation has evolved… from a supporting role to a vital pillar of our urban transit systems,” Osiyemi said. “With the rapid population growth in coastal cities across Africa, ferry services have become not just an option but a necessity.”
Osiyemi noted that safety remains central to the reforms Lagos has undertaken, citing the distribution of life jackets, improved terminal infrastructure, and heightened safety enforcement.
“Maritime safety is not a destination but rather a continuous journey—one that demands collaboration, innovation, and vigilance.”
He urged attendees to act with urgency and unity, emphasizing that incidents in one part of the region impact the perception and progress of the entire ferry ecosystem.
“Our ambition must be to ensure that every passenger… boards a ferry with confidence, secure in the knowledge that robust systems and a safety-first culture underlie their journey.”
The Commissioner also commended MOWCA (Maritime Organization of West and Central Africa) and INTERFERRY for their partnership and unwavering focus on regional maritime safety cooperation.
Adding depth to the discourse, Mr. Oluwadamilola Emmanuel, Managing Director of the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA), positioned the conference as a rallying point for redefining the future of African ferry transport.
“We aim to harmonize policies and establish robust regional frameworks that ensure safer and more efficient cross-border ferry operations,” OluwaDamilola declared.
He noted that ferry transport is increasingly vital in solving urban congestion and supporting the continent’s “blue economy”—through job creation, sustainable trade, and coastal development.
“Lagos… embodies a thriving environment where forward-thinking policymaking, operational excellence, and community involvement intersect around our waterways.”
OluwaDamilola invited delegates to participate in a series of panels, technical workshops, and interactive sessions designed to align local efforts with global best practices. These discussions will center on digital monitoring, innovation in vessel design, and data-driven operational strategies.
“We are not just dreaming of a better ferry landscape—we are building it,” OluwaDamilola said, urging stakeholders to embrace collaboration and evidence-based policymaking.
Throughout the two-day event, participants are expected to exchange actionable insights, explore funding mechanisms, and formalize strategies to ensure the resilience and safety of ferry systems across West and Central Africa.
The conference comes at a critical time when water transportation is being reimagined as a cornerstone of urban development in many African coastal cities. As ferry incidents across the continent continue to raise concerns, the emphasis on innovation, regional policy alignment, and collaborative safety frameworks provides a roadmap toward a safer, more connected maritime future.
As the conference ends on Thursday, Lagos stands as a case study for what is possible when infrastructure, innovation, and intent converge. The consensus is clear: ferry safety is not just a regional priority—it is a continental imperative.
