Charting Safer Waters: Advancing Ferry Safety Through Innovation, Collaboration, and Integrated Transport Solutions
On the Safety of Inland Waterways and Passenger Ferries.
Regional Ferry Safety Conference 2025
This high-level 2-day conference brings together regional policy makers, ferry operators, regulatory agencies, community stakeholders, and international partners to collaboratively address critical safety, operational, and policy issues affecting ferry transport systems in Africa. The conference this year is organized by the Lagos State Government through the Ministry of Transportation and Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA), in partnership with the Maritime Organization of West and Central Africa (MOWCA) and INTERFERRY, the global ferry industry association.
Key focus areas include:
- Policy harmonization and regional frameworks for ferry operations
- Enhancing technical and design standards for ferry infrastructure
- Integrating ferry transport into broader urban and regional mobility systems
- Leveraging innovation and data for safer waterways
- Promoting the role of ferry transport in Africa’s blue economy
The event will feature keynote sessions, technical panels, breakout workshops, and regional dialogue forums.
Theme: Charting Safer Waters: Advancing Ferry Safety Through Innovation, Collaboration, and Integrated Transport Solutions
Date: 25th and 26th June 2025
Details
HOST: Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA)
The Lagos State Government (LASG) in 2008 enacted the Lagos State Waterways Authority Act, which established the Lagos Waterways Authority (LASWA). LASWA is charged with the responsibility of coordinating and managing the reforms necessary for the long-term growth and development of water transportation in Lagos State, including the granting of ferry licenses and concessions for the operation of terminals to the private sector. These reforms entail the creation of an enabling long-term regulatory environment that attracts significant private sector involvement in the provision of water transport services. Through LASWA, the LASG has embarked on policy reforms that promote and facilitate investments for the provision of water transport aimed at realizing potentials towards becoming an attractive mode of transport. The fundamental responsibility of LASWA is to manage, improve and enhance navigation opportunities for Lagos State inland waterways.
Contact Person: +2348090129777 info@lagoswaterways.com www.lagoswaterways.com
Introduction to Interferry
For over 49 years, Interferry has served as the global association representing the ferry industry. Initially focused on networking, it has evolved into a respected voice for more than 270 member companies across 40+ countries. Interferry now prioritizes passenger, crew, and cargo safety, fair competition, and environmental protection, while continuing to strengthen connections among its members. The association includes a wide range of ferry operators—such as RoPax, RoRo, cruise ferries, fast ferries, and passenger-only ferries—as well as key industry suppliers like shipbuilders, designers, and marine engineers. Interferry holds consultative status at the International Maritime Organization (IMO), enabling it to advocate for ferry-specific considerations in global maritime regulations. Interferry is committed to improving domestic ferry safety, particularly in developing countries, and actively seeks to expand its global membership. Members benefit from real-time industry updates, regulatory insights, discounted conference rates, and valuable networking opportunities that promote shared learning and collaboration across the ferry sector.
Contact Person: shari.corrigan@interferry.com
Maritime Organisaton for West and Central Africa (MOWCA)
The Maritime Organisation for the West and Central Africa (MOWCA) was established in May 1975 (Charter of Abidjan) as the Ministerial Conference of West and Central African States on Maritime Transport (MINCONMAR). The main objective of MOWCA is to serve the regional and international community for handling all maritime matters that are regional in character. MOWCA unifies 25 countries on the West and Central African shipping range (inclusive of five landlocked countries). These countries comprise of 20 coastal states bordering the North and South Atlantic Ocean, and to explain the maritime link for landlocked countries the ports of the Ocean interfacing countries provide the seaborne trade of those that are landlocked. The focus of MOWCA policy is on the following: Private Sector Participation, Coastal Shipping & Multimodal Transport, Port Development, Shippers' Councils, Maritime Safety & Environmental Protection, Transport Data Systems, Maritime Education & Training.
MOWCA Contact persons
1. Col. Mamadou Mariko, +22507868608, mamadoumariko@hotmail.com
2. Eno-Richard Egbe, +2348037052408, enorichards@gmail.com.
VENUE OF THE CONFERENCE:
The conference will take place at The Lagos Continental Hotel. 52A, Kofo Abayomi Street, Victoria Island, LAGOS.
ACCOMODATION:
International delegates can see different accommodation options for reference.
Black Diamond Hotel
25, Ozumba Mbadiwe Avenue, Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria. Tel: +234 818 388 8555 Tel: +234 201 277 4600 Email: info@bdsuites.com
Radisson blu
1a, Ozumba Mbadiwe Avenue, Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria. Tel: +234 708 061 0000 Tel: +234 911 097 4527 Email: info.lagos@radissionblu.com
Four Points by Sheraton Lagos
Plot 9/10 block 2 Oniru Chieftaincy Estate, Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria. Tel: +234 905 382 2225 Email: marketing@fourpointslagos.com
Lagos Oriental Hotel
3 Lekki-Epe Express, Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria. Tel: +234 (0) 201 280 6600 Tel: +234 702 696 0065 Email: reservation@lagosoriental.com
The Art Hotel Lagos
Plot 13A, Block III, Chief Yesuf Abiodun Oniru Way, Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria. Tel: +234 916 610 5381 Email: info@arthotelng.com
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The Nigerian visa permits entry into Nigeria but does not guarantee it; further checks may apply upon arrival.
Travel formalities: Participants will receive a letter of invitation. Apply for an E-visa at www.immigration.gov.ng.
Nigeria Entry Visas:
- ECOWAS citizens do not require a visa.
- Cameroon and Chad nationals are visa-exempt.
- All others require a visa before arrival.
Contact the nearest Nigerian embassy for assistance.
- Present your international vaccination certificate upon arrival.
- Stay informed on current health advisories before traveling.
The protocol committee will assist at Murtala Muhammed International Airport. VIP lounges are available for Ministers and Secretaries General. Submit flight details at least one week prior to arrival.
Transfers from the airport to hotels/venue will be arranged. Share flight details in advance. A pickup crew with a welcome board will receive you.
Contact for Airport Transfer:- Mr. Ibrahim Famuyiwa: +234 803 365 0043, ifamuyiwa@lagoswaterways.com
- Mr. Ukeme Sunday: +234 803 342 2279, sukeme@lagoswaterways.com
- Ride-hailing: Uber, Bolt, Indrive, and Lagride are available.
- Hotel taxis: Available at all listed hotels.
Meals and refreshments are provided. Dinner and extra hotel services (e.g., mini bar) are at your own expense.
- Language of seminar: English
- French interpretation will be provided
In June, temperatures range from 24°C to 30°C. Expect high humidity and possible heavy rainfalls. Please come prepared with rain gear.
- Currency: Nigerian Naira (NGN)
- Exchange at airports, banks, and bureaus
- Visa/MasterCard accepted at hotels and shops
- ATMs widely available
- Banks operate Mon–Fri, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Time Zone: West Africa Time (WAT)
- CAT is +1 hour; EAT is +2 hours compared to WAT
- Voltage: 230V / Frequency: 50Hz
- Plug Type: British-style Type G
- Bring voltage converters/adapters if needed
Wi-Fi is available at hotels and the conference venue. Mobile roaming charges may apply outside these areas.
Register for the Conference
Gallery
Contact
Address
Five Cowries Terminal, Falomo,
Ikoyi, Lagos, Nigeria.
Call Us
Phone: Mr Ibrahim Famuyiwa (Head Operation Unit, LASWA)
Tel: +234 803 365 0043
Phone: Mr Ukeme Sunday (Head Survey and Inspection Unit, LASWA)
Tel: +234 803 342 2279
Email Us
ifamuyiwa@lagoswaterways.com
sukeme@lagoswaterways.com