The management of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has established a regulatory framework for the operation of barges across the nation’s seaports under a new Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), which must be complied with by all operators effective September 1, 2021. This is even as the agency directed all terminal operators to stop the collection of N20m bank bonds from all barge operators.
In a statement signed at the weekend by the NPA General Manager, Corporate & Strategic communications, Olaseni Alakija, the agency said it is poised to review the modalities for the registration of barge operating license with emphasis on operators meeting the minimum safety standards ((MSS) of their barges. Failure to meet this requirement will bar an operator from using the channel.
Quoting the Acting Managing Director of the Authority, Mohammed Bello Koko in the statement, while speaking during an interactive session with members of Barge Operators of Nigeria (BOAN), the agency stated that it is a new era in barge operations and all operators are required to key into this regulatory provisions.
The MD also told the barge operators that the government has instituted a binding tariff scheme payable to NPA as well as to the operators.
“There would be a harmonised interactive session (berthing meetings) between the barge operators and the relevant designated Port Managers for specific areas where information sharing would be prioritised accordingly,” he said.
These meetings are envisaged to create a forum where illegal Barge and Jetty operators would be identified.
To create relief for the barge operators, the NPA Chief Executive advised all Terminal operators not to demand the collection of a 20 million naira bank bond, with a promise to liaise with the relevant government agencies for a downward review of prevailing charges on the carriage of Containers.
On communication, the acting Managing Director also hinted that henceforth, the installation of acceptable UHF Radio communication devices, as well as navigational lights onboard crafts, would be among the critical mandatory requirements for operators by September 1 to ensure safe and secured operational services.
Continuing, Koko solicited the collaboration of stakeholders in ensuring that best practices are strictly adhered to in this respect, informing stakeholders that amongst the expected requirements for barge operators, there would be class and personnel certification in order to ensure that they are seaworthy.
Furthermore, he identified efficient barge operational systems for easy evacuation as a panacea for port congestion, as this would ensure that regulatory standards are strictly adhered to, warning that no illegality would be tolerated any longer.
On capacity, he said management is strategising for effective partnership with barge operators in the area of training to enable them to acquire more knowledge on the profession which is expected to impact positively on general port operations if the regulatory standards are strictly adhered to.
To further ensure safety in the navigation of barges, Tug masters are required to possess Pilot Exemption Certificate (PEC) even as night operations are abolished while double loading of barges is prohibited to prevent damage to the quayside.
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Stop collection of N20m bank bond from barge operators, NPA tells terminal operators