The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) and the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) have initiated moves to strengthen safety standards and operational efficiency on Lagos waterways through a proposed strategic collaboration.
This followed a courtesy visit by the NSIB delegation to LASWA headquarters in Lagos, where both agencies explored areas of partnership aimed at improving incident investigation processes, safety oversight, and accident prevention across the inland waterways sector.
Speaking during the meeting, the General Manager of LASWA and Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Blue Economy, Mr. Oluwadamilola Emmanuel, underscored the importance of inter-agency collaboration in advancing safe, efficient, and sustainable water transportation.
He noted that the waterways sector remains a critical component of Lagos’ transport system, stressing the need for stakeholders to work collectively to enhance safety, operational standards, and public confidence.
On his part, the Director General of NSIB, Captain Alex Badeh, said the Bureau’s mandate of promoting transportation safety through independent investigations would be further strengthened through collaboration with LASWA.
He explained that the partnership would help deepen efforts to identify safety risks, prevent accidents, and improve safety culture across waterways operations.
Key areas of proposed collaboration include safety data sharing, joint awareness campaigns, capacity building programmes, improved incident reporting systems, emergency response coordination, and technical support for accident investigations.
Both agencies expressed commitment to sustaining engagement and developing practical initiatives that will enhance safety outcomes for operators, passengers, and other waterways users in Lagos State.
The meeting ended with a shared resolve to deepen cooperation in support of safer and more efficient inland waterways transportation.