Barge Operators Push for Fairer Regulations in Nigeria’s Port Logistics

BY KESIENNA SHEPHERDS

The Barge Operators Association of Nigeria (BOAN), in technical partnership with the Sea Empowerment & Research Center (SEREC), has submitted a formal intervention to the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), calling for urgent reforms to strengthen the role of barging in the nation’s maritime logistics.

The submission, made during an engagement convened by the NSC under the directive of the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, emphasized that barging has evolved into a critical backbone of port operations. According to BOAN, barging is essential for decongesting ports, supporting multimodal transport, and enhancing supply chain efficiency.

BOAN highlighted three pressing challenges facing indigenous barge operators:

• Access: Unequal and restricted access to terminals and berthing windows, which undermines efficiency and fair competition.
• Transparency: Lack of standardized tariff and operational frameworks, creating uncertainty and cost pressures.
• Competitive Balance: Perceived preferential treatment for foreign-linked operators, raising concerns about fairness in the industry.

“This is not a call for protectionism,” BOAN stated. “It is a call for fairness, transparency, and regulatory consistency.”

The association urged the NSC to:

1. Enforce non-discriminatory access protocols across all terminals.
2. Standardize and make tariff structures transparent.
3. Strengthen oversight to ensure fair competition.
4. Formally recognize barging as critical logistics infrastructure.

BOAN stressed that supporting barging is not just an industry issue but a national economic priority. With proper regulatory backing, barging could reduce pressure on Nigeria’s road infrastructure, lower logistics costs, create jobs, and boost the country’s standing in the blue economy.

The association commended the NSC for convening the engagement and pledged continued collaboration toward building a more efficient, fair, and sustainable maritime sector.