The Barge Operators Association of Nigeria (BOAN) has revealed that Lekki Port is currently not patronizing indigenous barge operators due to the type of barges being used by most indigenous operators.
This comes as barge operators call for funding from the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, to help build capacity among indigenous operators.
Speaking exclusively with Nigerian Tribune, BOAN President, Bunmi Olumekun, explained that due to safety concerns, many barges owned by indigenous operators do not meet the standards required at Lekki Deep Seaport.
According to the BOAN President:
“There is a standard at Lekki Port because they prioritize safety first. The Lekki Port terrain is an international route. It’s not every barge that can go to that place.
For a barge to go to Lekki Port, it has to be a sea-going barge, which must be at least 3,000 tons. To buy a 3,000-ton barge today, we are talking about billions of Naira. That’s why we are soliciting funds here and there. We want the government to come to our aid so that we can acquire some of these crafts.”
Olumekun further stressed the need for modern barging technology, noting that:
“When we talk about the latest crafts, we mean Self-Propelled Barges. The era of Tug Boats propelling barges is over. Today, self-propelled barges are being used in saner climes.”
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“With the presence of Dangote Refinery also in Lekki, we need Self-Propelled Tanker Barges. These crafts require huge funds, and that’s why we are asking the government to support us with funding.”
BOAN is currently engaging relevant government agencies to secure funding.
“We are talking to the Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC), we are talking to the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA). Any agency that can help us reach out to the Minister, we will be glad.”
He emphasized that these modern crafts are capital-intensive and beyond the financial capacity of most indigenous operators.
“We need government support to acquire these crafts so that we can fully participate in barging activities, not just in Nigerian waters, but across West Africa as a whole.”
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