NPA partners barge operators on export cargo evacuation

The Nigerian Ports Authority has met with the Barge Operators Association of Nigeria as part of efforts aimed at ensuring seamless export cargo evacuation from the hinterland to the seaports.

The Managing Director of NPA, Mohammed Bello-Koko, disclosed this when he hosted members of BOAN, led by its President, Olubunmi Olumekun.

This was contained in a statement on Tuesday by the NPA.

Bello-Koko was quoted as saying that 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,”

He said the meeting focused on providing necessary support to optimise the barge operation value chain.

According to Bello-Koko, the meeting also focused on the infusion of professionalism to ensure the safety of lives and investments at all times.

“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 said.

Recall that the deployment of barges for the evacuation of cargo from the ports to the hinterland was an intervention initiative of the NPA.

Source: The Punch