Lagos State and Federal Government Collaborate to Enhance Waterway Safety Measures

The Lagos State Government and the Federal Government of Nigeria have joined forces to implement and enforce proper regulations for all transportation activities on the Lagos waterways. This collaboration aims to enhance safety measures and prevent accidents in response to recent incidents, such as the fatal boat accident in Anambra State that claimed the lives of a Nollywood actor and four others.

Dr. Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, the Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), emphasized the importance of regulating water transportation to ensure the safety of Lagos residents. LASEMA's control center in Alausa is connected to a command control center on the Lagos waterway to cater to emergencies, and the agency has been carrying out sensitization and advocacy programs in collaboration with the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA), the Safety Commission, and the Fire Services.

LASWA has implemented various safety-related measures, such as ensuring the use of life jackets and prohibiting night-time travel on the waterways. The agency also has a Marine Rescue Unit with trained local divers to respond to emergencies. The recent boat mishap in Anambra State has further highlighted the importance of adopting safety measures when using the waterways.

The Lagos State Government has made significant investments to enhance water transportation under the Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration . These investments include procuring 15 state-of-the-art boats, constructing and rehabilitating terminals and jetties, dredging the waterways, removing wrecks along the coastline, and investing in security and safety equipment. LASWA has created over 250 direct and indirect jobs and ensures that all passengers are covered by insurance on all trips.

Why this matters:The collaboration between the Lagos State Government and the Federal Government to enhance waterway safety measures is essential in preventing accidents and ensuring the well-being of commuters. With the increasing importance of water transportation in Lagos, the implementation and enforcement of proper regulations will contribute to the development of a safe and efficient multi-modal transport system in the state.

The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, plans to unveil its plans for the Inland Waterways and Coastal Services in the industry at the forthcoming Maritime Business Roundtable Breakfast Meeting on April 18 in Lagos. The meeting will focus on 'Security and New Technologies in Inland Waterways Transportation' and will feature representatives from various maritime authorities and industry participants. The event aims to provide visibility, growth, networking, and exchange of knowledge for the maritime industry.

Key Takeaways

• LASG and FG collaborate to enhance safety on Lagos waterways after recent accidents.
• LASEMA connects emergency control center to Lagos waterway to respond to incidents.
• LASWA implements safety measures like life jackets and prohibits night-time travel.
• LASG invests in water transport infrastructure and ensures passenger insurance coverage.
• FG to unveil plans for Inland Waterways and Coastal Services at upcoming industry event.