The Joint Regulatory Task Force of the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) and National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) have issued operational standing order to commercial boat operators in Lagos.

The move was part of efforts to effectively guarantee the safety of ferry passengers in the state.

This was contained in a release made available to newsmen by the Public Relations Officer of LASWA, Nkechi Ajayi.

The new guideline issued on Tuesday14th July 2020, was signed by the General Manager of LASWA, Oluwadamilola Emmanuel and the Lagos Area Manager of NIWA, Engr. Sarat Braimah.

The new guideline entails that all double engine (Four-stroke engine) driven boats are to revert to pre COVID-19 full capacity as approved based on inspection while all Two-stroke single engine driven boats are to maintain maximum of 75% pre-COVID capacity as approved based on inspection.

It stated further that “With effect from January 1, 2021, all operators utilizing tiller handle on the outboard engines for steering/ maneuvering T-Long Boat (open) and W23 boats (open) are requested to procure and mount a HYDRAULIC STEERING SYSTEM on the boats for improved safety and better maneuvering.

“While all operators utilizing Helm Steering System are also requested to procure and mount a HYDRAULIC STEERING SYSTEM on the boats for improved safety and better maneuvering,” the statement concluded.