The Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) has strengthened efforts to combat waste and pollution on Lagos waterways through a strategic partnership with the Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) Marine Unit.
LASWA General Manager, Mr. Oluwadamilola Emmanuel, said the collaboration focuses on improving waste management and ensuring safer waterways. Under the partnership, LAWMA collects plastic bottles and other recyclable waste from LASWA centers and transports them to recycling facilities.
“This initiative ensures that boats, jetties, and waterways remain free from waste that constitutes a nuisance to the system,” Emmanuel said.
Emmanuel highlighted LASWA’s Omi-Eko project, which aims to transition from fossil-fuel-powered ferries to electric ferries.
“The Omi-Eko project will operate strictly on electric ferries, reducing pollution from engine emissions,” he said, adding that LASWA is collaborating with relevant agencies to maintain clean waterways.
The Lagos State Ministry of Waterfront and Infrastructure Development is also upgrading jetties and terminals to improve operational efficiency and water transport infrastructure.
LASWA is working with the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) to enhance safety on the waterways.
“We pool resources to ensure safety and the overall development of the waterways,” Emmanuel stated.
He noted that LASWA inaugurated 15 ferries in 2024 and plans to launch 10 more in 2025, significantly improving water transport efficiency.
“The goal is a fully integrated transport system linking rail, road, and water transport to boost economic activities and contribute more to the state’s GDP in the next decade,” he added.
To encourage water transport usage, LASWA actively promotes life jacket awareness.
“Life jackets are the most critical safety tool in water transportation. We not only advocate for their use but also donate them to stakeholders, including operators and passengers,” Emmanuel said.
He emphasized LASWA’s commitment to quality standards, deploying water guards at jetties to prevent substandard life jackets from being used.
“If passengers encounter poor-quality life jackets, they can report through our hotlines, and we will take immediate action,” he assured.
With these initiatives, LASWA is driving a cleaner, safer, and more efficient water transport system in Lagos.
