Business
Barge Operators To Embark On Self-Cleansing Exercise
Following the global and national psychological and negative economic impacts of the Coronavirus (Covid- 19) pandemic, the leadership of the Barge Operators Association of Nigeria (BOAN), says the body would embark on a two-day self-cleansing exercise in furtherance of its safety vision.
President of the association, Mr Edeme Kelikume stated this during a Telephone interview.
Kelikume disclosed that all members’ crafts shall be inspected and certified fit, adding that, those that failed the test will be removed from the system.
He stressed that the association would communicate terminals and shipping companies not to engage barges that failed the test during this period.
According to him, BOAN would carry out the sensitisation and enlightenment campaign for stakeholders on the safety implications to the marine transport sub-sector for two days.
Kelikume lamented the high spate of barge accidents in recent times, attributing them to substandard jetties, improper loading by operators and lack of balance on the barges.
The president expressed the hope, that the two-day shutdown of barging services would enable the regulators, Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) , National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and Nigerian Navy to address issues of overlapping functions and duplication, which he claimed to a large extent, affected barging operations.
He listed some of the challenges facing barge operators as duplication, of functions by the regulators, thus creating an unfavourable environment for businesses to thrive in the marine circle.
Kelikume stressed that the suspension of activities would enable barge operators train and re-train their captains and officials on safety and best practices in the industry
He advised that tugboats be attached to barges in the pilot age area, so that there could be speedy response when accidents occur.
The president called on NPA and other relevant regulatory agencies to wave the big stick on those who were not supposed to participate in the marine operations, saying it had a grave security implication on the nation’s encnomy.
By: Chinedu Wosu