The head of the Barge Operators Association of Nigeria revealed that the organization has created job opportunities for 26,000 individuals and managed over four million containers since 2019. This activity encompasses handling imports, exports, and various types of cargo, establishing barge operations as a vital part of Nigeria’s maritime logistics. The association, consisting of 82 member companies utilizing 2,000 barges and tugboats, plays a significant role in the nation’s maritime sector by employing a minimum of 13 crew members per barge.
The president highlighted the need for policy reforms to overcome industry challenges, citing the burden of government regulations like the N50m annual cash bond imposed by the Nigerian Ports Authority. He advocated for the adoption of insurance bonds to reduce costs and attract more operators to the sector. The association aims to regulate its members, enforce safety standards, and eliminate substandard operators through the assignment of identity numbers to each barge for traceability and accountability.
Although barge transportation currently faces higher costs compared to road transport due to terminal and government charges, the president emphasized its potential to be 50% cheaper if financial obstacles were addressed. Barge transport ensures efficient and safe delivery of cargo, offering advantages like simultaneous container arrival and operational reliability. The focus on waterways transportation was underlined as a solution to road transport challenges, urging the government to enhance these practices for improved logistics efficiency.