LASWA, NIWA Launch Ember Months Safety Campaign on Lagos Waterways

The Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) and the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) have jointly launched an ember months safety campaign aimed at ensuring safer navigation on Lagos inland waterways amid the increased passenger movement associated with the festive season, urging strict compliance with safety regulations by both operators and passengers to prevent avoidable accidents.

The agencies stressed that the campaign is designed to promote shared responsibility on the waterways, noting that safety can only be guaranteed when boat operators, crew members, and passengers all adhere to established rules and guidelines.

As part of the directive, all commercial and private boat operators are required to provide standard, certified life jackets for passengers and crew, enforce their compulsory use, maintain accurate passenger manifests before every trip, and strictly avoid commercial operations after 7:00 p.m.

Operators were also directed to conduct routine vessel and engine checks before departure, adhere to approved passenger and weight limits, ensure that only certified captains operate passenger boats, and closely monitor weather advisories, suspending trips whenever instructed by authorities.

To strengthen enforcement, LASWA and NIWA said joint search and rescue teams, alongside water guards, will intensify patrols along busy waterways and terminals throughout the festive period to deter violations and respond swiftly to emergencies.

“All boat operators must strictly comply with safety regulations, including the use of certified life jackets, proper documentation of passengers, and adherence to approved operating hours, as these measures are critical to preventing accidents during the busy ember months,” the agencies stated.

“Passengers are also expected to play their part by wearing life jackets correctly, boarding only at authorised jetties, avoiding pressure on captains to overspeed, and reporting any unsafe practices to LASWA or NIWA officials,” they added.

The agencies reaffirmed their commitment to working with all stakeholders to ensure a safe, reliable, and accident-free water transportation experience across Lagos waterways during the festive season and beyond.