THE Barge Operators Association of Nigeria (BOAN) has commended the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, for his swift intervention in resolving challenges affecting indigenous barge operators at the nation’s seaports.
The association also praised the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) for concluding its investigation into the complaints raised by operators, describing the outcome as a major boost for indigenous participation in the maritime sector.
In a statement on Monday by the Ministry’s Director of Information and Public Relations, Anastasia Ogbonna, the commendation was conveyed by the Managing Director of Nurwags Integrated Services Ltd, Nura Wagani, during an interview with the ministry’s media team at the 2026 Second Quarter Citizens’ and Stakeholders’ Engagement held in Lagos.
Wagani said the minister’s directive to investigate the complaints reflected the Federal Government’s commitment to protecting local investments and ensuring a level playing field for indigenous operators.
He also applauded the NSC, led by Dr. Pius Akutah, for conducting what he described as a thorough, transparent and impartial investigation into the allegations presented by BOAN.
He recalled that during the 2026 First Quarter Citizens and Stakeholders’ Engagement, Sectoral Performance Review and Ministerial Management Retreat organised by the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, BOAN appealed to the minister to address operational bottlenecks affecting indigenous barge operators.
Responding to the concerns, Oyetola directed the Nigerian Shippers’ Council to investigate the allegations and recommend appropriate solutions.
According to BOAN, the investigation has now been concluded, with the issues raised by the association satisfactorily addressed.
The association expressed confidence that the outcome would strengthen indigenous participation, improve operational efficiency and promote fair competition within Nigeria’s barge transportation sector.
BOAN also reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) to promote safety, regulatory compliance and sustainable growth across the industry.
