The Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) has stepped up enforcement of safety regulations across major ferry terminals in Lagos State, as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen compliance standards and reduce accidents on inland waterways.

The inspection exercise, which covered key jetties and terminals including Ipakodo, Bayeku, Ijede, Ebute-Ero, Liverpool, Sabokoji, Alex, and Coconut, focused on two core areas: the seaworthiness of passenger boats and the condition of life-saving equipment provided by operators.

During the operation, LASWA officials identified and removed about 120 damaged life jackets found in circulation across several terminals. The agency described the equipment as unsafe and unfit for use, warning that their continued deployment posed a serious risk to passengers who rely on them in emergency situations.

According to the authority, the move is part of a broader safety compliance drive aimed at eliminating substandard and expired safety materials from the waterways transport system.

Officials noted that life jackets remain a critical requirement for water travel and must meet approved standards to be considered effective in the event of accidents or emergencies.

LASWA explained that the inspection was not a one-off activity but part of a sustained monitoring framework designed to ensure that operators consistently adhere to safety regulations. The agency said it routinely conducts surprise and scheduled checks across ferry routes to ensure compliance with operational guidelines.

Officials involved in the exercise observed that while a number of ferry operators comply with safety requirements, some still fall short by providing passengers with worn-out or poorly maintained life jackets. The agency warned that such lapses would not be tolerated, especially as water transportation continues to record increased patronage in Lagos.

The authority further stressed that maintaining strict safety standards has become even more important given the growing reliance on waterways as an alternative means of transportation amid persistent road congestion in the state. It noted that more residents are turning to ferries for daily commuting, making safety enforcement a top priority.

LASWA reiterated that all operators are expected to ensure that their boats are fully seaworthy at all times, that life jackets provided to passengers are certified and in good condition, and that routine maintenance checks are carried out before vessels are put into service.

The agency added that enforcement efforts would continue across all ferry terminals and waterways routes in Lagos, with a zero-tolerance stance on safety violations. It also encouraged passengers to be vigilant and insist on properly fitted and functional life jackets before boarding any vessel.

With the latest exercise, LASWA reaffirmed its commitment to building a safer, more reliable, and professionally regulated waterways transport system capable of supporting the state’s growing transportation needs.