The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau and the Lagos State Waterways Authority have begun discussions on strategic collaboration aimed at strengthening safety standards, incident investigation processes and operational efficiency across Lagos waterways.
The NSIB delegation paid a courtesy visit to LASWA headquarters in Lagos, where both agencies explored opportunities to enhance safety oversight, information sharing, capacity building and accident prevention within the inland waterways sector.
Speaking during the meeting, Oluwadamilola Emmanuel, General Manager of LASWA and Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Blue Economy, stressed the importance of inter-agency cooperation in promoting safe, efficient and sustainable water transportation.
He noted that the waterways sector remains a vital component of Lagos State’s transportation network, making collaboration among stakeholders essential to improving safety, operational excellence and public confidence.
The Director General of NSIB, Alex Badeh, said the bureau’s mandate is to promote transportation safety through independent investigations and safety recommendations. He added that closer collaboration with LASWA would help identify safety risks, prevent accidents and strengthen safety culture across the waterways.
Areas identified for possible partnership include safety data exchange, joint public awareness campaigns, training programmes, incident reporting mechanisms, emergency response coordination and technical support in accident investigation and safety management systems.
Both organisations expressed commitment to building a strong working relationship that will enhance safety outcomes for operators, passengers and other waterways users while supporting the continued growth of water transportation in Lagos State.
The visit ended with an agreement to sustain engagements and develop practical initiatives aimed at improving safety and operational standards across Lagos waterways.
