Fishermen operating on Lagos waterways have called for greater government support to cushion the impact of rising operational costs, even as the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) intensified efforts to enforce safety regulations across the state’s inland waterways.
At a stakeholders’ engagement in Badagry, Lagos state Southwest Nigeria, LASWA reminded fishermen of mandatory safety requirements, including the use of life jackets, vessel registration, compliance with weather advisories and adherence to navigation rules aimed at reducing accidents and protecting lives.
The authority said all waterway users must wear life jackets while on the water and warned against overloading boats, operating unseaworthy vessels and navigating during adverse weather conditions.
Samuel Olorunwa who represented LASWA General Manager Damilola Emmanuel, urged fishermen to prioritise safety and environmental responsibility. “Wear your life jacket, avoid overloading, respect weather warnings, maintain your boat, and keep the waterways clean. Safety on the waterways is everyone’s responsibility,” he said.
Sunday Aiyedogbon, Chairman of the Athomengante Fishermen Association in Badagry, who welcomed the safety campaign, said economic challenges facing the sector must also be addressed.
Aiyedogbon said fishermen had repeatedly appealed for government intervention but had received little assistance. He said the cost of fishing equipment had increased significantly in recent years, making it difficult for many fishermen to sustain their businesses.”The net we used to buy for 400 is now 4,000. You expect me to go fishing and sell at a cheaper price; it is not possible,” Aiyedogbon said.
He called on authorities to provide subsidised fishing gear, storage facilities and empowerment programmes similar to those given to farmers.
Aiyedogbon also said fishermen should be recognised as critical stakeholders in the blue economy and maritime security as they spend long hours on the waterways and often possess valuable information that could assist security agencies.”The fishermen are always on the waterways. They see things that security agencies may not see and can provide useful information when necessary,” he said.
Elijah Samuel, chairman of the planning committee for the 2026 anniversary of the Badagry Fishermen Association, appealed to government to assist fishermen with life jackets, fishing nets, boats and other equipment needed to improve their operations. He said the association was actively educating members on water safety and responsible navigation practices.For his part,
Spokesman of the Athomengante Fishermen Association, Amos Joseph, expressed concern over the high cost of fishing gear and alleged reckless behaviour by some commercial boat operators.”It is disheartening that some boat drivers do not treat us as human beings. They drive recklessly and put our lives at risk,” Joseph said.
He added that several fishermen had been injured or killed in waterway accidents, which underscored the need for stricter enforcement of safety regulations.
The fishermen urged federal and state authorities to combine safety enforcement with targeted support programmes to improve livelihoods, boost fish production and enhance security on the waterways.