THE Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) has begun the 2025 Safety Sensitisation Programme with the distribution of life jackets across major jetties and riverine communities in the state.
The General Manager of LASWA, Mr Oluwadamilola Emmanuel, said this in a statement issued on Friday in Lagos.
According to Emmanuel, the strategic move is to enhance safety and boost public confidence in water transportation.
“The initiative is part of LASWA’s continuous effort to promote a safety-first culture among waterways users while reducing incidents of boat mishaps on Lagos inland waterways.
“The sensitisation programme covers key operational jetties and terminals including Falomo, Ijede, Sangotedo, Badore, Ito-Omu, Tarzan and Baiyeku.
“LASWA officers engaged passengers, boat operators, and community members in live demonstrations, safety talks, and distribution of certified life jackets free of charge,” he said.
The LASWA boss noted that the sensitisation sessions focused on proper life jacket usage, emergency response procedures, and LASWA’s mandatory safety guidelines for boarding and operating ferries.
“The programme also served as a platform to buttress the authority’s “No Life Jacket, No Boarding” policy.
“To reinforce these safety messages, 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,” he said.
He added that this year’s initiative was significant as it came during the peak of the rainy season, a time when waterways risks are heightened due to high tides, wind surges, and reduced visibility.
He said that LASWA’s proactive approach was aimed 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,” he said.
