Joyce Mmereole Okoli
The Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) and the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) have opened discussions on a strategic partnership aimed at strengthening safety standards, improving incident investigation processes, and enhancing operational efficiency across Lagos waterways.
The talks began during a courtesy visit by the NSIB delegation to LASWA headquarters in Lagos, where both agencies explored practical areas of collaboration to improve safety oversight, accident prevention, emergency response, and information sharing within the inland waterways sector.
Speaking during the meeting, the General Manager of LASWA and Special Adviser to the Governor of Lagos State on Blue Economy, Mr. Oluwadamilola Emmanuel, described inter-agency cooperation as critical to the Lagos State Government’s drive to build a safe, efficient, and sustainable water transport system.
He noted that the waterways sector remains an increasingly important part of Lagos’ transportation network, making it essential for key institutions to work together in promoting safety, operational excellence, and public confidence.
The Director-General of NSIB, Captain Alex Badeh, who led the delegation, said the Bureau’s mandate of promoting transportation safety through independent investigations and safety recommendations aligns closely with LASWA’s regulatory role on the waterways.
According to him, closer collaboration between both agencies would help identify safety risks early, strengthen accident prevention measures, and improve the overall safety culture across Lagos waterways.
Discussions during the visit focused on key areas of partnership, including safety data exchange, joint public awareness campaigns, training and capacity development, incident reporting mechanisms, emergency response coordination, and technical support for accident investigation and safety management systems.
Both organisations expressed commitment to building a strong working relationship that will improve safety outcomes for operators, passengers, and other waterways users, while supporting the continued growth of water transportation in Lagos State.
The meeting ended with an agreement to sustain engagement and develop practical initiatives that will deliver safer and more efficient waterways operations across the state.