Lagos Waterways Get Safety Boost as NIWA, LASWA, Bras Marine Launch Joint Campaign

Chiemelie Ezeobi writes that the recent partnership between the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA), and Bras Marine and Yacht Services Ltd, targets public education, stricter enforcement, multi-stakeholder collaboration and safer transport systems in the new campaign, while promoting  a culture of responsibility among boat operators, passengers, and regulators alike

In a powerful display of public-private collaboration, the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA), and Bras Marine and Yacht Services Ltd have joined forces to launch a sweeping safety campaign aimed at tackling the perennial risks associated with water transportation in Lagos. 

With boat mishaps claiming lives annually, the campaign places urgent focus on safety education, stricter enforcement, and multi-stakeholder collaborations.

The campaign also seeks to heighten public awareness on water travel best practices and promote a culture of responsibility among boat operators, passengers, and regulators alike.

“For us at NIWA, this partnership represents a critical turning point,” declared Engr. Sarat Buraimo, NIWA’s Area Manager, during a press conference in Lagos. “Our goal is simple: to reduce accidents on our waterways to the barest minimum. We want every passenger and every operator to understand that safety is non-negotiable. Whether you are boarding a ferry in Lagos or crossing a river in another state, we want Nigerians to know they can trust the system.”

Buraimo noted that while public education is vital, enforcement is key to long-term change. “We are not just here to sensitise the public; we are here to strengthen enforcement. Operators who flout safety regulations—overloading, lack of life jackets and poor maintenance—must know that we are watching. We will not hesitate to apply sanctions where necessary,” she stated.

She also announced that NIWA will introduce certification programmes to ensure operators are formally trained. “We need to start with the operators, many of whom have never received formal training. We will be rolling out new operator certification programmes to make sure they understand basic safety procedures, navigation rules, and passenger responsibility,” she said.

Also speaking, LASWA General Manager, Oluwadamilola Emmanuel stressed the importance of partnership in improving safety standards. “We need the cooperation of all relevant stakeholders. For me, the key element here is collaboration—and we are witnessing that today. The government cannot do it alone. In terms of safety and awareness, we need the support of private sector organisations,” he said.

He referenced a previous donation of 2,500 life jackets by Total Nigeria Limited, noting its positive impact. “Lagos is surrounded by water, and we want to ensure that we can optimise water transportation safely. While we’re doing well, the reward for hard work is even more work. We need to do more,” Emmanuel added.

He called on other Nigerian states to develop their waterways, noting that 28 of the 36 states have yet to fully utilise this resource.

Bras Marine Services Chairman, Prince Yomi Sonuga, echoed the need for improved safety compliance, especially regarding overcrowding and equipment failures. “Safety is a great concern we all should take seriously because casualties from boat accidents are devastating. 

“We remember the number of people that died when 360 passengers were packed on a 90-passenger boat,” he said. “This happens everywhere, not just in Nigeria, when there’s overcrowding or when authorities fail to enforce regulations.”

He argued that operators must take greater responsibility and not prioritise profit over human life. “The operators have to take responsibility. They cannot just be counting naira; they need to consider that life is important. Anything we can do to assist you as operators—that’s why we’re here,” Sonuga said.

He proposed Bras Marine’s support could include discounted safety equipment and spare parts rather than just life jacket donations. He also revealed a significant tourism opportunity on the horizon.

 “One of the world’s largest cruise companies is considering Lagos as a hub. Imagine hundreds of millions of dollars coming into Lagos when these cruise ships start arriving. Apart from transportation, this will boost tourism and create business opportunities across Epe, Badagry and beyond,” he said.

The initiative signals a united front to create a safer, more regulated waterway system in Lagos, with the hope that other regions across Nigeria will follow suit.