Lagos Govt Pushes for United Safety Drive on Waterways After Fatal Boat Mishap
The Lagos State Government has renewed its push for stronger collaboration among stakeholders in the water transport sector, stressing that passenger safety on the state’s waterways depends on collective responsibility and strict adherence to safety standards.
The Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, made this known on Tuesday during a working visit to the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA), where he engaged the agency’s management and staff on operational focus, service efficiency and safety delivery.
Osiyemi charged LASWA personnel to operate as a cohesive unit, anchored on professionalism, innovation and mutual respect, noting that sustainable progress in water transportation can only be achieved through shared commitment and forward-looking strategies.
According to him, improved coordination and strategic planning are critical to strengthening water transport operations across the state.
Reaffirming the government’s position, the commissioner said the protection of commuters remains paramount, urging LASWA to consistently enforce high safety benchmarks on all waterways.
He also highlighted teamwork as a key factor in ensuring the successful and timely execution of the Omi-Eko Project, a major initiative designed to expand and modernise Lagos’ water transport infrastructure.
Osiyemi commended LASWA staff for their ongoing dedication and assured them of the ministry’s resolve to maintain a work environment that supports performance, accountability and growth.
The renewed safety emphasis follows a recent boat accident along the Nigerdock axis of the Igbologun Water Channel, which occurred barely a week before the visit.
The incident resulted in the death of six passengers, while four others were rescued.
LASWA had disclosed that the boat involved in the accident was travelling from Ilashe Beach House at the time of the tragedy, a development that has further intensified calls for stricter safety compliance and operational vigilance on Lagos waterways.
