Navy, NIMASA, LASWA conduct joint search, rescue simulation exercise to enhance safety on Lagos waterways

The Nigerian Navy and the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency ( NIMASA) in collaboration with the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA), marine police and other emergency responder agencies on Thursday conducted a full- scale joint marine search and rescue simulation exercise within the Lagos inland waters.

The aim of the exercise was to assess and validate the readiness of agencies to respond to emergencies within the Lagos maritime domain, necessary to enhance safety on Lagos waterways and boost passengers confidence in water transportation.

Governor of Lagos state, Babajide Sanwo Olu, in his address said the exercise is a testament to the commitment and preparedness of the Lagos State government to ensure that the inland waterways are safe.

Represented by the Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Oluwaseun Osiyemi, Sanwo-Olu noted that the importance of joint efforts in search and rescue operations cannot be overstated.

According to him, the collaboration was not just an option but a necessity in search and rescue as it will help reduce rescue time and boost passenger confidence in water transportation.

“Our interconnectedness and shared vulnerabilities underscore the need for seamless cooperation among our organisations and communities.

” Today’s joint simulation marks a crucial step in fostering the unity and interoperability required to face the unpredictable challenges on our inland waterways.

“This exercise is a testament to our commitment to preparedness, response, and recovery.

“By bringing together diverse expertise, resources, and perspectives, we strengthen our capabilities and create a formidable force capable of tackling the most complex and demanding scenarios we will face,” he said.

Sanwo olu commended the Nigerian Navy, LASWA, NIMASA, Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, Lagos State Fire Service, Lagos State Ambulance Services and other key agencies for their commitment to the success of the joint search and rescue exercise.

Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Mustapha Hassan, said the exercise was the collaborative efforts of the Navy, NIMASA, LASWA and other key stakeholders aimed at ensuring that water transportation was safer for transporters.

According to him, there are plans to have deployment at critical spots in the inland waters of Lagos to reduce response time to accident spots.

Hassan, who is also the Commander Joint Task Force, Operation Awatse, said the exercise will not only boost confidence of mariners operating within the inland waterways, but also improve the economic prosperity of the state.

He noted that with the maiden edition conducted within the inland waters, plans are underway to conduct subsequent exercises at sea to further reassure foreign partners of the competences of security agencies towards responding to emergencies within the entire maritime domain.

According to him, the collaborative effort is in line with the Chief of Naval Staff , Vice Admiral Ogalla, strategic directive for partnership with relevant agencies and stakeholders within the maritime sector towards the effective safety and security of the nation’s maritime domain.

Earlier in his welcome address, General Manager LASWA, Damilola Emmanuel lauded the synergy and collaboration between the state and federal agencies.

He noted that the significance of a well executed search and rescue simulations cannot be over emphasized especially at a time of increasing complexity and diversity of potential emergencies, from natural disasters to industrial accidents.

He said the ability to respond swiftly and effectively was not just a capability but a necessity.

Emmanuel explained that search and rescue simulations serve as invaluable tools in preparing the emergency responders for the unpredictable challenges they may face in the field.

“These exercises provide a controlled environment where teams can hone their skills, test their strategies, and refine their coordination, ultimately ensuring a more proficient and coordinated response when real crises unfold,” he said.

According to him, the exercise will not only enhance the technical expertise of its first responders, but also foster the culture of collaboration and adaptability. among agencies.

” Today, as we delve into the world of simulated rescue scenarios, let us remain mindful of the lives that depend on the effectiveness of our response efforts.This is a world where we have unforeseen emergencies.

“Through meticulous preparation and strategic training. We can truly make a difference in safeguarding our communities, and mitigating the impact of such disasters,” he said.

Emmanuel assured that the rescue collaboration initiative would be extended to the Ikorodu area of Lagos before the end of first quarter of 2024 after which the exercise would be taken to Badagry and other parts of the state.s

He said LASWA had already set up a search and rescue point at Ipakodo area of Ikorodu and Ojo axis to enable them to respond as quickly as possible to rescue calls.

On his part, Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Bashir Jamoh said efforts towards prioritizing safety within the Lagos waterways by evaluating the readiness of emergency responders is a welcome development that should be sustained.

Represented by the Director, Deep Blue Project Atonye Obom, Jamoh commended the Western Naval command for spearheading the joint simulation exercise which is he said was not only timely but will help strengthen the agencies to cooperatively respond to emergencies within the Lagos maritime domain and also reinforce the confidence of mariners during the holiday season and beyond.

Photo caption: 

Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Oluwaseun Osiyemi( left), and Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Mustapha Hassan during the joint marine search and rescue simulation exercise coordinated by the Nigerian Navy in Lagos on Thursday.