NiMet, LASWA Forge Strategic Partnership for Climate-Smart Ferry Operations in Lagos
In a move aimed at revolutionising inland water transport safety and efficiency in Lagos State, the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) are set to embark on a strategic collaboration aimed at integrating climate-smart solutions into ferry operations.
This development came to light during a courtesy visit to NiMet headquarters in Abuja today by a LASWA delegation led by its General Manager, Mr. Oluwadamilola Emmanuel. The team was warmly received by the Director-General of NiMet, Professor Charles Anosike.
Central to the discussions was the proposed integration of NiMet’s real-time weather and climate data into LASWA’s operational framework.
This initiative is expected to significantly enhance safety on Lagos waterways, optimise ferry scheduling, and promote data-driven transport planning across the state’s aquatic corridors.
“The integration of accurate meteorological data is critical to improving ferry routing and ensuring the safety of commuters,” said Professor Anosike, who expressed NiMet’s commitment to supporting sub-national transport agencies with precise weather intelligence.
Both agencies also explored the possibility of signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to formalise the partnership and guide future engagements.
The collaboration is designed to reduce weather-related service disruptions, improve emergency response times, and build resilience in Lagos’s growing water transport sector.
Emphasis was also placed on the need for continuous training of ferry operators and raising public awareness on weather safety protocols.
Mr. Emmanuel lauded NiMet for its technical expertise and expressed optimism about the partnership’s potential to improve commuter confidence and boost economic activities along the state’s waterways.
The initiative marks a significant step towards harnessing meteorological science to foster safer, smarter, and more sustainable ferry operations in Nigeria’s commercial capital.
