The Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) has reiterated its commitment to transforming the waterways transportation industry through technology. This was made known by the Managing Director of Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) at the 5th National Transport Summit 2023 with the topic: Emerging National Governance Challenges and Prospects in Transportation, organized by the Chartered Institute of Transport Administration of Nigeria, (CIOTA), held at the NICON Luxury Hotel Abuja recently.

Speaking on the topic: Lagos State Emerging Technologies for Waterways Transportation, Mr. Oluwadamilola Emmanuel reeled out the giant strides of Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration in water transportation to include:

• Waterways Monitoring and Data Management Centre (WMDMC)- State-of-the-art remote monitoring and data management through the use of an all-weather long-range cameras (2km) that operate both day and night at the Four water terminals in Lagos-Five Cowries, Ebute Ojo, Liverpool, and Ikorodu.
• Integration to Nigeria’s First Offline Digital payment service (Cowry Card) to enable commuters to pay for their bus fares (BRT), Ferry, and Rail in Lagos State.
• Deployment of Drone technology for Maritime Search and rescue, security Surveillance, and data acquisition in difficult-to-access areas.
• Underwater Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) for a safe alternative for underwater search and rescue and underwater surveying to identify wreckages and dredging locations.

He further informed stakeholders at the Summit about the achievements of the Waterways Monitoring and Data Management Center, which includes enhanced emergency response & operation, improved environmental monitoring, reduced unauthorized activities and integration with Drone Footage.

The Presentation was followed by an interactive panel session comprising the President/Chairman of the Council of the Chartered Institute of Transport Administration of Nigeria, Prince (Dr.) Segun Obayendo, Mr. Phillip Okoronkwo, who represented the Director, Transport Planning and Coordination, Federal Ministry of Transportation, Dr. (Mrs.) Mercy Ilori, Professor Samuel Odewunmi of the Lagos State University, and a representative from the Nigerian Military. During the interactive session, the giant strides of the Lagos State Government in the Waterways Transportation were used as a template for other Sub-Nationals to follow.

The Lagos State Waterways Authority has a mission to regulate and promote the use of Lagos Inland waterways, encourage sustainable investment, and develop lasting water transport solutions for the people of Lagos State in line with the THEMES+ agenda of the Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s Administration.