Lagos State Government has said that the joint Search and Rescue Simulation by the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) will reduce search and rescue time to boost passenger confidence in water transportation.
The Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, Mr Oluwaseun Osiyemi, said this during the joint exercise held in Lagos on Thursday.
Osiyemi said that the collaborative endeavour should recognise that emergencies and disasters know no boundaries, and a unified, well-coordinated response was paramount.
According to him, in a world where global challenges demand global solutions, the importance of joint efforts in search and rescue operations cannot be overstated.
“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,”Osiyemi said
He said that collaboration was not just an option but a necessity in search and rescue, adding that the joint exercise allowed them to simulate scenarios that mirror the reality.
He said that emergency rescue required them to navigate language barriers, cultural differences, and logistical challenges.
Osiyemi said the state government had identified areas for improvement and built a foundation of trust as well as understanding that transcended the diversity and functions.
The commissioner commended Nigerian Navy (Western Naval Command), Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, Marine Police, Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, Lagos State Fire Service, Lagos State Ambulance Services and transport stakeholders.
Rear Adm. Mustapha Hassan, Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command, said the advent of the Blue Economy and push for development came up with idea of taking Lagos residents off the road and being more water friendly.
Hassan, also the Commander, Joint Taskforce, said the exercise was the collaborative efforts of the Nigerian Navy, NIMASA, LASWA and other stakeholders.
He said it was in line with ensuring that water transportation was safer for transporters.
“The rescue exercise of today went successfully and we are happy about it.
“I was speaking with the commissioner for transport and he has given assurance of the Lagos State support.
” We plan to have deployment at critical spots in the inland waters of Lagos, which will reduce the traffic time to accident spots,” Hassan said.
and Ojo axis to enable them response as close as possible to rescue call.
The Director General, NIMASA, Dr Bashir Jamoh, who was represented by Director Deep Blue of NIMASA, Mr Otonye Obom, said the collaboration was the initiative of the agency, adding that securing safety on the waterways would make Blue Economy to thrive.
All the emergency stakeholders were well represented. (NAN/vitalnewsngr.com)
