Centre urges FG to position barging as critical port infrastructure
The Sea Empowerment and Research Center (SEREC) has urged the Federal Government of Nigeria to recognise barging as a critical infrastructure in the seaport economy while calling for urgently regulatory harmonisation and structured reforms in barge operations sub-sector.
The SEREC made the call following recent concerns raised within the industry regarding operational pressures and regulatory practices.
SEREC’s intervention comes in the wake of public statements by the leadership of the Barge Operators Association of Nigeria (BOAN), highlighting challenges faced by operators including what has been described as regulatory “arm twisting” by relevant authorities.
While acknowledging the critical role of regulatory agencies in ensuring safety, compliance, and environmental protection, SEREC emphasized the need for a balanced and coordinated approach that does not inadvertently stifle a sector widely regarded as essential to port efficiency and national logistics.
“The barge sector has evolved into a strategic logistics backbone supporting port operations. Any disruption to its efficiency carries significant implications for trade facilitation and economic stability,” said Fwd. Eugene Nweke, Rff, Head of Research, SEREC.
SEREC noted that the current situation reflects broader structural challenges within the sector, including overlapping regulatory mandates, multiplicity of charges, access constraints, and rising operational costs. These issues, if left unresolved, could reverse gains made in decongesting port corridors and enhancing cargo evacuation efficiency.
The Center stressed that while concerns raised by operators deserve careful attention, regulatory authorities must also be supported in enforcing safety standards and maintaining order within inland waterways operations.
“This is not a question of choosing between regulation and operations; it is about achieving smart regulation that enables efficiency while safeguarding standards,” Nweke added.
The Centre made these key observations:
The absence of a unified national framework governing barge operations
Overlapping roles among multiple regulatory bodies
Increasing compliance costs affecting operator sustainability
The strategic importance of barges in mitigating port congestion
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The need to strengthen safety without imposing abrupt or disruptive measures
SEREC’s Position and Recommendations
In the interest of fairness, sustainability, and national economic advancement, SEREC proposed
1. Immediate Regulatory Harmonisation: Establish a coordinated framework aligning the roles of all relevant agencies to eliminate duplication and conflicting directives.
2. One-Stop Clearance System: Introduce a unified digital platform for barge approvals, documentation, and compliance processes.
3. Transparent and Standardised Charges: Consolidate multiple levies into a clearly defined and publicly accessible tariff regime.
4. Phased Safety Compliance Framework: Implement structured timelines to allow operators meet safety standards without undue disruption.
5. Institutionalised Stakeholder Engagement: Create a formal dialogue platform involving regulators and to address emerging issues collaboratively.
6. Recognition of Barging as Critical Infrastructure: Position barge operations within national transport and Blue Economy strategies to ensure policy protection and investment support.
The Centre further urged all stakeholders to avoid actions or narratives that could escalate tensions, emphasizing the need for constructive engagement and mutual respect between regulators and operators.
“Nigeria must not lose the operational gains achieved through barging due to avoidable regulatory friction. The focus should be on building a resilient, transparent, and efficient inland water transport system,” Nweke stated.
SEREC, however, reaffirmed its commitment to supporting policy reforms that enhance efficiency, promote local participation, and strengthen Nigeria’s maritime and Blue Economy sectors. The Center called on all parties to work collaboratively toward a balanced framework that ensures both compliance and commercial viability.
The Sea Empowerment and Research Center (SEREC) is a leading maritime policy think-tank dedicated to research, advocacy, and strategic advisory in Nigeria’s maritime, logistics, and Blue Economy sectors.
