In a strategic move to enhance safety and boost public confidence in water transportation, the Lagos State Waterways Authority, LASWA, has commenced the Year 2025 Safety Sensitisation Programme with the distribution of life jackets across major jetties and riverine communities in the state.
In a statement by the Head of Public Affairs Unit of the agency, Mrs. Nkechi Ajayi, said the initiative was part of LASWA’s continuous effort to promote a safety-first culture among waterway users while reducing incidents of boat mishaps on Lagos inland waterways.
She said that the sensitisation programme covered key operational jetties and terminals including Falomo, Ijede, Sangotedo, Badore, Ito-Omu, Tarzan and Baiyeku jetties where LASWA officers engaged passengers, boat operators, and community members in live demonstrations, safety talks, and distribution of certified life jackets free of charge.
She said the sensitisation sessions focused on proper life jacket usage, emergency response procedures, and LASWA’s mandatory safety guidelines for boarding and operating ferries which the programme also served as a platform to buttress the authority’s “No Life Jacket, No Boarding” policy.
To reinforce these safety messages, Mrs Ajayi said the team distributed a range of safety materials including branded life jackets, safety souvenirs, informational leaflets, branded pen and notebooks.The distribution of these items not only encouraged compliance but also fostered a stronger culture of safety consciousness among waterways users.
She said this year’s initiative was particularly significant as it comes during the peak of the rainy season, a time when waterway risks are heightened due to high tides, wind surges, and reduced visibility. LASWA’s proactive approach aims to mitigate these risks through community education and safety gear accessibility.
Passengers and local stakeholders praised LASWA’s consistency in safety advocacy and its growing presence in riverine areas often underserved by public infrastructure.
Reporting by Taoreed Abdullahi