The General Manager of the LASWA, Oluwadamilola Emmanuel, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Monday.

Emmanuel said that the authority needed to step up its safety procedure on waterways in line with Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s renewed commitment toward development of water transportation.

“One of the things we do to further enhance safety on waterways is to carry out biannual inspection on boats. Before the end of the year, I mean before Christmas, boat operators are due for inspection.

“As they come, we carry out checks on them, and wherever there are safety issues, we give them a timeline to do it; if they don’t fix it, we will go after them,” the LASWA boss told NAN.

He said that the authority would inspect all boats to see whether they were worthy to use waterways or not in order to prevent avoidable water mishaps.

The general manager, who noted that the authority relied a lot on information and feedback from passengers, urged them to always report to the authority any threat to safety while on board.

He said: “We rely a lot on information. We have passengers feedback form as a feedback mechanism where passengers report to us if they notice anything on boats.

“We also encourage our passengers to speak up and let us know, and we will make sure that appropriate penalties are issued out to any erring boat operator who doesn’t comply accordingly with the safety procedure.

“Passengers have the responsibility to be the first line safety agent themselves by ensuring that they wear life jackets.”

On prevalent offences committed by boat operators, the general manager highlighted night travel, overloading, and removal life jacket in the middle of the journey, among others.

According to him, there has to be continuous enforcement and control to enhance and sustain safety on waterways.

He said that erring operators caught flouting safety rules and regulations were made to pay fines into the state treasury account as deterrent.

“We have sanctioned between 40 to 50 operators since the beginning of the year. They pay fines to the state government and make sure they sort out whatever safety rule and regulations broken.

“They must fix whatever problem is in their boat before they are allowed to operate on our waterways,” Emmanuel said.

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The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the unfortunate incident that involved two passenger speed-boats occurred at Irewe community in Ojo, near Lagos late Tuesday.

A total of 13 out of the 18 persengers involved in the accident were rescued alive while three were confirmed dead and two declared missing.

The General Manager of LASWA, Oluwadamilola Emmanuel, told NAN on Thursday in Lagos, that the bodies of the last two victims, a young adult and a youth were recovered at 8:30 am on Thursday.

Emmanuel condemned the reckless disregard to safety regulations by some boat operators.

He said the authority would not relent on its efforts to ensure full compliance with safety regulations by boat operators to make the waterways safe.

The LAWSA boss had in a statement on Tuesday, said that 13 people were rescued alive in the incident, three others were confirmed dead while rescue operation for the remaining two victims had continued.

He said that the head-on collition which occurred at about 6:10 pm, involved two passenger speed-boats along the creek in Ojo Local Government Area of Lagos State.

Emmanuel said that there were 10 passengers in the boat from Ojo Jetty and eight passengers in the other from Irewe community when the incident occurred.

He said that the search and rescue operation was by relevant state agencies and the local community who were the first responders.

The general manager said that preliminary investigations by LASWA and LASEMA revealed that the incident was caused by reckless driving and over-speeding on the part of the boat captains.

He said that further investigations would be carried out by the authority and those found wanting would be sanctioned accordingly.

Boat accidents have become rampant on sea routes in Lagos, Nigeria’s crowded economic hub with the June 29 incident claiming 17 lives.

The 20-passenger capacity unmarked boat with a 60″ Hp engine capsised after being hit by severe waves mid-sea en route Egbin Jetty in Ijede, Ikorodu at about 11:00pm with only three survivors.

Investigations carried out by LASWA on the tragedy revealed that the accident was caused by poor visibility and the fact that the passengers had no life jackets .

Also, on Feb. 2, three people died and 17 others were rescued as a passenger boat capsised at Bayeku area of Ikorodu.

The post Lagos boat mishap: LASWA recovers remaining missing bodies appeared first on New Mail Nigeria.

Its General Manager, Oluwadamilola Emmanuel, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Lagos that rescue operation was still ongoing.

“We have not recovered their bodies, though rescue efforts to recover them are still on,” Emmanuel said.

He said that the unfortunate incident, which occurred at 6:10p.m., involved two passenger speed boats having a head-on collision along the creek in Ojo Local Government area of Lagos State.

Emmanuel recalled that on Tuesday, 13 people were rescued alive in the incident, while three others were confirmed dead.

He said that there were 10 passengers in a boat coming from Ojo Jetty and eight passengers in another one coming from Irewe Community when the incident happened.

The LASWA general manager said that the yet-to-be recovered bodies include that of an adult and a child.

Emmanuel, who frowned at the reckless disregard to safety regulations by some boat operators, said that the authority would not relent on its efforts to ensure full compliance.

According to him, boat operators must desist from excessive speed and flouting of regulations.

He said that the search and rescue operations were ongoing by relevant state agencies and the local community who were the first responders.

The general manager said that preliminary investigations by LASWA and LASEMA revealed that the incident was caused by reckless driving and speeding on the part of the two boat captains.

Emmanuel said that one of the boat captains was not in his right way.

He said further investigations would be carried out by the authority, adding that those found wanting would be sanctioned accordingly.

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The State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, who said this while receiving NIWA’s Managing Director, Senator Olorunnimbe Mamora and top management staff of the agency on courtesy visit at Lagos House in Alausa, Ikeja, said putting the perennial conflict between NIWA and LASWA behind was the most patriotic thing to do, and that it would also in the best interest of all, especially the economic prosperity of the people.

He said without prejudice to the matter currently before the Supreme Court on the issue, the State Government nonetheless was ready to implement strategies to engender peaceful resolution of the grey areas and points of conflict in the overall interest of the people.

The Governor said it was particularly instructive and beneficial that NIWA was being headed at this particular point in time by Mamora, just as he expressed optimism that the development would translate to the end of hostilities that had been going on for decades between the federal agency and LASWA.

According to him, “We are doing this not just for ourselves; we are doing it for Nigeria and Lagos. I believe strongly that the appointment of Senator Mamora is divine and even prior to his assumption as MD of NIWA and ever since he has taken over, there has not been any major complaints from the controversy between the State Government and NIWA and we are very happy for this.

“Let me reiterate here that I give my total support for the amicable resolution of the issue irrespective of the legal tussle that we have been having over the decades and we also respect the rule of law. We know that whatever the decision of the Supreme Court, it would still have to be implemented by the operators and so I give my commitment and total cooperation that anything that is outstanding, we would resolve amicably.”

While commending the NIWA management for championing mutual relationship, the Governor directed key officers of the State Government to dialogue with the NIWA team with the view of coming up with structured approach to solidify the partnership.

“I give the go ahead to all my management team and key officers to sit down with the management team of NIWA. Whatever grey areas should be resolved. I think in the areas that we have talked about, issues relating to right of way, revenue and so on, we can resolve and I can observe that things have been very peaceful in these areas but we can document and put in proper shape to let other people also understand that we have moved forward progressively.

“The approach the NIWA MD has taken is commendable because once we continue to dialogue, it is for the peace and prosperity of Nigerians and not about ourselves and once we are able to get that as the main objective, I think every other thing will just fall in place. We are one government and one nation and there is no reason why we should not create progress and prosperity for Nigerians and I think this is what the renewed relationship is out to achieve,” Governor Ambode said.

Earlier, Mamora said his team was at Lagos House to raise the bar for the good of the people by amicably resolving issues relating to waterways transportation, right of way of waterfront and sensitization of waterway users on the need to always fully comply with waterways transportation code.

Mamora, who is a former Speaker of Lagos State House of Assembly and Senator representing Lagos East at the Senate, also commended Governor Ambode for his achievements in office, saying posterity would be kind to him.

“With this reception, I want to highly commend your Excellency and this is highly appreciated because you have taken very bold step forward and we can always rely on your support. I also stand here to commend what you have done for Lagos State and for your achievements, I am sure posterity will judge you right,” Mamora said.

The post Lagos, NIWA begin talks to end age-long conflict on waterways regulation appeared first on New Mail Nigeria.

Ikechuwku said his vehicle was directly behind the Toyota Corolla car in which Oladejo was.

The deceased according to News Agency of Nigeria, was a driver attached to an Assistant Director in charge of Information Communication Technology unit of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, FRCN.

He was said to have been newly posted from the FRCN Training School located in Shogunle to the Broadcasting House in Ikoyi, Lagos.

Explaining what transpired shortly before the suicide, Ikechukwu said there was light traffic along UNILAG waterfront end of the bridge as a result of a vehicle that broke down on the road.

He said Oladejo, who was sitting at the back of the car, hurriedly opened the door and in a split second, clung to the railings of the bridge.

The businessman said, “We were on Third Mainland Bridge after the UNILAG Waterfront about 9am. I was behind the brown Toyota Corolla 2001 model where the man was. There were three people inside the car, the driver and a woman sitting in the front. The man sat at the back.

“There was a faulty vehicle on the road, so we all had to reduce our speed. I noticed the car (the Toyota Corolla) in front of me slowed down, and the man jumped out in front my car. I thought their car was over-flooding and he wanted to call the attention of the fishermen to help them with water or he wanted to urinate. But the next thing I saw was that the tall man climbed the culvert. He wore a grey shirt with brown trousers and a cap. The man wore a very desperate look. He should be in his late 40s.

“My wife and I were looking at him as he held the railings and jumped into the water, head-first. I parked immediately and disembarked from my car. The driver of the Toyota Corolla also came down. We could not see any trace of his body because the water was calm.”

Ikechukwu said they called for help and three fishermen responded. He said the fishermen searched the water for about 30 minutes without success.

“We later drove to a checkpoint where policemen were. The driver was shouting and panicking. He was saying something in Yoruba, which I did not understand. I left the scene when my wife started fidgeting,” he added.

Oladejo’s body was later recovered by a joint team of Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, Marine Police, Lagos State Waterways Authority and Rapid Response Squad.

LASEMA General Manager, Tiamiyu Adesina, said the agency received a distress call at 9.25 am.

“A preliminary report at the scene revealed that the victim asked the driver to stop on the bridge for him to urinate and then he jumped into the lagoon. The body was recovered and taken to the LASWA jetty at Ebute Ero. It was thereafter handed over to the Adekunle Police Division for further investigation.”

The Lagos State Police Publ Relations Officer, CSP Chike Oti, confirmed that the man was a passenger in a Toyota Corolla car, adding that the deceased had been identified by his relatives.

“The man’s name is Sherifu Oladejo. He was a passenger in that vehicle. He was a driver,” he added.

The post “How FRCN driver jumped from Third Mainland Bridge into lagoon” appeared first on New Mail Nigeria.

The Governor made this known through the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Tunji Bello at the 2018 Lagos Mega Youth Conference themed “SAFE SPACES FOR YOUTH” held at the LTV Blue Roof Hall, Agidingbi.

He reiterated that the present administration would continually engage and support the youths in order to prepare them for future challenges and see how their aspirations can be achieved.

He explained that the State Government’s policy thrust on Security, Infrastructure and Job Opportunities was designed with the Youths in mind.

He said the Government first focus on assumption of office was to make Lagos safe; not just for the youth but for every resident adding that some appreciable progress have in that wise.

According to him, “from inception, our administration determined that one of our key considerations would be inclusion; an inclusive government which will protect all interests, provide for all sections of society and protect all. I am delighted to note that the theme for this year’s United Nations International Youth Day is “Safe Places For Youth”. This, for me, is a strong validation and justification of the policy position of our government”.

He explained that Nigeria has a bulging youth population with 65% of the total population between the ages of 16 and 35years adding that this itself is a strength as well as a challenge.

He said the strength is that there are people with the energy to work in order to develop the economy while the challenge is that the Government need to engage the critical population positively adding that that “youth is life. Youth is energy; youth is ideas, youth is creativity, and any society that does not cater for the needs of its youth is toying with the future”.

He said the State had trained 2,200 unemployed Lagosians for jobs in construction, manufacturing, garment making, hospitality and entertainment added that 450 trainees have been employed by various businesses across the State.

“Through the Employment Trust Fund and our Ministry of Wealth Creation, we have developed and launched a workspace loan programme, through which 50 startups have been awarded vouchers which allow them discounted access to selected workspaces and hubs in Lagos. We have no doubt that these startups, being run by some our smartest young Lagosians, will deliver incredible solutions that will make life easier for Lagos residents” he said.

Ambode said the Government has invested massively in transportation to create inclusion for communities without accessible roads stressing that the new Bus Terminals and new buses would provide free WiFi to keep the youths connected on the go when operation commences.y

He stated further that the Government had also invested in spaces for recreation, building of new parks and renovating of the old ones, adding that there is free WiFi at the JJT Park and the Muri Okunola Park presently while it would be extended to other parks soon.

“We have some young and very smart Lagosians holding sensitive positions in our government. Our Employment Trust Fund, the State Waterways Authority, Parks and Gardens and Bus Services Limited are run by some bright, young people and they have proven to us that our young people are ready to take charge” he said

The post We’ll continually invest in the economy for youth enablement, engagement – Ambode appeared first on New Mail Nigeria.

The accident which occurred at about 7:45pm close to the Ojo Terminal involved two open fiber boats.

Managing Director of the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA), Damilola Emmanuel who confirmed the incident, said one of the boats was driving at full capacity with 22 passengers, while the other had just the boat captain and deckhand on board.

He said immediately the incident occurred the patrol team at the Ojo Terminal was able to move swiftly to rescue the situation.

“One boat was going from Liverpool to Ojo while the other was doing a return trip from same location.

“LASWA response team were able to rescue all passengers from the capsized boat and transported them to shore, no lives were lost,” Emmanuel said.

He said the affected boats (Toba Marine & Eco Lima) are presently in the custody of LASWA at the terminal until conclusion of investigations into what led to the collision.

Emmanuel attributed the success of rescuing all passengers alive to the fact that they were all putting on life jackets, which according to him also made rescue efforts a lot easier.

“All passengers on both boats were all putting on their life jackets. This is what we have been encouraging. Our agency has been on the forefront of leading the campaign that for no reason should anyone embark on a journey on water without putting on a life jacket. We have also gone a step further to distribute life jackets to encourage boat operators to enforce it,” the LASWA boss said.

He said the 1500 life jackets were distributed within 2017 and January 2018, adding that more would be distributed in the course of the year however urging passengers to insist on life jackets before embarking on any journey on the water.

The post Use of life jacket prevented loss of lives in Ojo boat mishap, says LASWA boss appeared first on New Mail Nigeria.

Managing Director of the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA), Oluwadamilola Emmanuel, who confirmed the mishap in a statement, said the 19 persons were rescued alive by the agency, while one of the passengers on board the boat was unfortunately lost.

The passenger boat identified as SEALINK was said to be travelling from Ikorodu to CMS when the incident occurred at about 9:30am in Oworonshoki after hitting a submerged object.

While confirming the incident, Emmanuel said the 19 persons rescued have already been taken to Ebute Ero Jetty from where they were transferred to the hospital, while further investigations on the cause of the accident were still ongoing.

“A passenger boat named SEALINK with 20 passengers and two crew onboard coming from Ikorodu to CMS ran over a submerged wooden boat close to Third Mainland Bridge. 19 passengers were carried to safety to Ebute Ero Jetty.

“The LASWA emergency response team recovered a female body (identified as a police officer attached to Zone Two police station) and handed over the corpse to the Marine Police. Her husband is an official of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA).

“The submerged SEALINK Boat has been salvaged and towed to a secure location off the waterways. Salvaging Operations is also taking place to get the submerged wooden boat off the navigable channel,” the LASWA boss said.

Emmanuel added that the crew members of the said SEALINK Boat have already been taken to police custody as investigation is still ongoing.

While commiserating with the family of the deceased, Emmanuel assured that the State Government would not relent in coming up with policies and programmes aimed at ensuring safety on the waterways.

The post Lagos rescues 19 persons as boat capsize in Oworonsoki appeared first on New Mail Nigeria.

Abisola Kamson, managing director of the Lagos State Waterways Authority, who confirmed the tragic incident in a statement, blamed it on overloading of passengers on a banana boat and operation of an illegal jetty.

Kamson said four victims of the mishap who were rescued are already receiving treatment at a nearby hospital, while search and rescue operation was still on-going.

While commiserating with the families of those that lost their loved ones, the State Government said the mishap had again brought to the fore the need for the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) to respect the recent verdict of the Court of Appeal which upheld the powers of the State Government to control its intra-inland waterways.

Going into details of the mishap, Kamson said: “An unfortunate incident occurred at Ilashe today Sunday August 20th arising from overloading of passengers on a Banana boat taking off from an illegal Jetty which has become a perennial issue of the Lagos State Government to rid our Waterfront areas of illegal operators.

“We sympathize with the families of the deceased as 12 lives were lost in the mishap and four people receiving treatment in the hospital.

“The LASWA rescue team has been on ground and search is still on-going. This brings to fore again the need for NIWA to allow the judgement of the Appeal Court granting Lagos Control of her waterways to take effect without hindrance.

“It is a matter for regret that ever since the judgement was pronounced, NIWA has ejected all State Water Guards monitoring standards from all Federal owned Jetties. In spite of this, the Government of Lagos State aligns to the safety of citizens on the waterways. All Lagosians are enjoined to wear standard life jackets at all times on our Waterways,” Kamson said.

Besides, the LASWA boss urged boat operators and other stakeholders in the inland waterways sector to adhere strictly to safety standards at all times.

The post Twelve killed in Lagos boat mishap appeared first on New Mail Nigeria.

NIWA had claimed that the judgment of the Appellate Court retained its power to regulate all waterways including international, intra-coastal and inter-state waterways.

But in a press statement issued on Thursday by the Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Steve Ayorinde, the State Government clarified that in the lead Judgment delivered by Dr. Hussein Mukhtar JCA , the Court of Appeal indeed set aside the judgment of the Federal High Court and held that the Lagos State House of Assembly is competent to make laws in respect of the intra-Inland Waterways in Lagos State except those inter-State Waterways under item 5 in the 2nd Schedule of the National Inland Waterways Act.

​”It is on record that the Nigerian Inland Waterways Authority was a respondent at the Court of Appeal and was represented by Counsel who argued and adopted its brief of Argument on NIWA’s behalf,” the Commissioner said, adding that “the rules of precedent for judgments are also very clear and this landmark judgment represents the current law on this issue until it us set aside by a higher Court.

“Any arguments to the contrary by NIWA are misconceived and should be disregarded. IT IS NOT IN DOUBT THAT THIS JUDGMENT FAVOURS Lagos State Government AND BECAUSE THE STATUS QUO HAS CHANGED IS THE REASON FOR THE PURPORTED NOTICE OF APPEAL REFERRED TO BY NIWA,” he said.

In the meantime, the State Government urged all boat operators and dredging companies to be law-abiding and fully comply with the provisions of Lagos State Waterways Authority Law Cap L72 Laws of Lagos State 2015 guiding dredging and boat operations which has been declared to be a valid and binding law by the Court of Appeal, as “failure to do so will attract appropriate stiff sanctions under the law,” Ayorinde said.

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