‘Barge Operations Critical To Reducing Traffic On Ports Access Roads’

·       We Are Willing To Cooperate With NIMASA, Says BOAN President

Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr Bashir Jamoh, noted that a well-regulated barge operating industry in the maritime sector is critical to ending gridlocks on port access roads in Nigeria.

He stated this when the Barge Operators Association of Nigeria (BOAN), led by its President, Bunmi Olumekun, visited him at NIMASA head office in Apapa, Lagos.

“Barge operations have helped to reduce gridlocks in Apapa, as they are involved in the transportation of container goods from one point to another within the inland waters, thereby putting less pressure on our roads, while also contributing their quota to national economic development”, Jamoh said.
Speaking further, he urged the operators to invest in modern barges that could enable them to compete favourably with their foreign counterparts, as this would help them to remain in business and protect them from foreigners taking over their jobs.
While assuring them that the agency would do all in its powers to promote barge operations as an alternative means of transportation, he enjoined them to brace up in the training of their members, as this would help them meet up with modern day realities and encourage professionalism in the discharge of their duties.
“Capacity development is good for the industry players to remain relevant while being able to compete favourably with operators in other climes. The shipping business is evolving with an increase in technological advancement, hence training cannot be taken lightly to remain valuable in the shipping market,” Jamoh said.
Furthermore, he disclosed that the Agency has begun the wreck removal exercise across the country, in line with the directive and approval of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) to ensure the channels are free for navigation, while also avoiding accidents on the waterways.

“This is the first time the agency has undertaken a holistic approach to wreck removal, cutting across all the zones from Lagos and Port Harcourt, among other areas geared towards the safety of navigation”.
Earlier in his address, Olumekun acknowledged NIMASA’s efforts in carrying out its mandate for the growth and development of the Nigerian maritime sector and pledged the continuous support of the association and cooperation with the agency towards the realisation of the three-point agenda of the current administration.
Noting the involvement of foreigners in barge operations in the country, he urged NIMASA to facilitate access to loans at single digit interest rates to help operators acquire modern barges.