Emmanuel Ojukwu
The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has engaged in crucial discussions with the Barge Operators Association of Nigeria (BOAN) to ensure the seamless evacuation of export cargo from the hinterland to seaports. The meeting, led by NPA Managing Director Mohammed Bello-Koko, marks a significant step towards optimising the nation’s logistics and export capabilities.
The NPA disclosed in a statement on Tuesday that Bello-Koko, hosting BOAN President Olubunmi Olumekun and other members, emphasised the substantial employment opportunities—both direct and indirect—generated by leveraging waterways to alleviate road congestion.
“The initiative has grown into a huge direct and indirect employment opportunity as well as business endeavours by using the waterways to reduce pressure and congestion on the road corridor,” Bello-Koko noted.
The meeting aimed to provide essential support to enhance the barge operation value chain, focusing on professional standards to ensure the safety of both lives and investments. “We are driven by the relentless commitment to achieving seamless connectivity between the seaports and the hinterland. This is an enabling initiative for sustaining the growth of exports in the country,” Bello-Koko added.
The deployment of barges for cargo evacuation from ports to the hinterland was initially introduced by the NPA as an intervention initiative, which has since become integral to Nigeria’s export logistics strategy.
