BOAN Commends Oyetola, Nigerian Shippers’ Council as Investigation into Barge Operations Concludes
By Sarah Kitka
Abuja (Core Reporters) The Barge Operators Association of Nigeria (BOAN⁹) has commended the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, H.E. Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, for his swift intervention, which led to the successful resolution of issues affecting indigenous barge operators in Nigeria’s seaports.
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 just-concluded 2026 Second Quarter Citizens’ and Stakeholders’ Engagement held in Lagos.
Wagani said the Minister’s prompt directive to investigate the concerns demonstrated the Federal Government’s commitment to protecting local investments, promoting fair competition, and strengthening indigenous participation in the maritime logistics sector.
He also praised the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), led by Dr. Pius Akutah, for conducting a thorough, transparent, and impartial investigation into the allegations presented by BOAN.
It will be 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 in Lagos, Wagani appealed to the Minister to intervene in operational bottlenecks and practices affecting indigenous barge operators.
In response, the Minister directed the Nigerian Shippers’ Council to investigate the issues with a view to finding lasting solutions.
With the investigation now concluded, BOAN confirmed that the concerns it raised have been satisfactorily addressed.
The Association expressed confidence that the outcome would further enhance indigenous participation and improve operational efficiency across Nigeria’s inland waterways and seaports.
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 in the maritime sector.
