The Lagos State government has begun stakeholders’ engagement towards the development of waterways safety code for the State.
In an address at one of the stakeholders’ forum in Victoria Island Area of the State, the Director-General of the State Safety Commission, Mr Lanre Mojola pointed out that the development of the waterways safety is key to the achievement of a safer Lagos in line with the agenda of the current administration in the State.
Mr. Mojola maintained that with the aim of a 21st century economy, the waterway safety code would go a long way in guaranteeing investors confidence and also boost water transportation, thereby ensuring successful intermodal transport system inLagos
“Based on the prevalence of the 21st economy, it is imperative to develop a safety code for sustainability of journeys on waterways and as well entrench people’s confidence as far as traveling on water is concerned”, Mojola said.
In his remarks, General Manager of the Lagos State Waterways Authority, LASWA, Mr Oluwadamilola Emmanuel,
noted that without a safety code to regulate, stipulate and ensure monitoring and enforcement, it would not be easy for stakeholders to navigate the vast waterways in Lagos.
He urged the participants in the event to come up with safety solutions that would make it safer not just for them alone, but for the entire residents of Lagos.
In a goodwill message, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Relations, Dr.Tajudeen Gaji, noted that a Waterways safety code would no doubt contribute significantly to the operation of various businesses on waterways as well as reduce the influx of unwanted occupants from labelling the waterways as unsafe but would further increase the confidence of Lagosians in waterways transportation.
The forum which was jointly organised by the Safety Commission and LASWA was attended by key stakeholders namely fishermen, dredger, sand miners, boat operators.
Highlights of the event include delivery of papers on water transportation, data, a documentary on the history of water transportation and Maritime operations in Lagos inland waters as well as the risks, challenges and way forward.
