With the busy festive season upon us, the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) and the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) have introduced a proactive safety campaign to keep waterways safe during December’s surge in travel. Emphasizing the importance of strict adherence, LASWA/NIWA urges boat operators and passengers to work together to prevent avoidable accidents on Lagos Inland Waterways.
Under the new directive, all commercial and private boat operators must:
• Provide and enforce the use of standard, certified life jackets.
• Maintain accurate passenger manifests before every trip.
• Avoid commercial trips after 7:00 p.m.
• Conduct routine vessel and engine checks before departure.
• Adhere strictly to passenger and weight limits.
• Ensure only certified captains operate passenger boats.
• Monitor weather advisories and suspend trips when instructed.
To step up surveillance, LASWA and NIWA Joint Search and Rescue Teams and Water Guards will intensify patrols along busy waterways and terminals throughout the festive season.
Meanwhile, passengers are urged to support safety efforts by wearing life jackets properly, boarding only at authorized jetties, avoiding pressure on captains to speed, and reporting any unsafe practices immediately to LASWA/NIWA officials.
The agencies reaffirm their commitment to working with stakeholders to ensure a safe, reliable, and accident-free water transport experience across Lagos.