From right: Director, Inland Transport Services of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Mr. Mustapha Zubairu and the President, Barge Operators Association of Nigeria BOAN, Hon. Bunmi Olumekun, when he led officials of the association on a working visit to the Council’s headquarters, Apapa, Lagos.

The Nigerian Shippers’ Council NSC, the country’s Port Economic Regulator has made a strong case for massive deployment of barges to Lekki Deep Seaport, the country’s newest and biggest seaport and other ports across all locations.

Director, Inland Transport Services of the Council, Mr. Mustapha Zubairu, who made the proposal during a meeting with the Barge Operators Association of Nigeria BOAN in Lagos on Monday, noted that the role of barge operations is crucial for efficient and effective evacuation of cargo at the nation’s seaports.

“Utilisation of barges is key in Lekki Deep Port’s operation; the Nigerian Shippers’ Council as the nation’s Port Economic Regulator wants seamless cargoes evacuation from the seaports”, Zubairu noted.

According to him, the Port of Antwerp has expressed their readiness to assist barge operators to have access to foreign financial institutions for their operations.

Determined to ensure continuous collaboration with barge operators, the NSC’s Director also plans to summon a tripartite meeting with other agencies to discuss the issues of barge operations in Nigeria and proffer solutions.

Meanwhile, President of BOAN, Hon. Bunmi Olumekun, who spoke during the meeting, said the Association proposes tariff harmonisation to create a more balanced and export-friendly environment that promotes national economic growth.

Hon. Olumekun emphasized that there is need for capacity development for operators and captains in order to enhance productivity and promote industry growth.

He also reiterated the importance of legislation for the movement of heavy goods through waterways and the danger of carrying them by roads.

Hon. Olumekun also said that the Association is collaborating with the Ministry of Marine & Blue Economy to meet the establishment of more riverine terminals and waterfront jetties.