By Joshua Yousouph
The Barge Operators Association of Nigeria (BOAN) has entered into a strategic partnership with the Port of Antwerp, Belgium, aimed at accelerating the growth and modernization of barge operations in Nigeria through technical cooperation, knowledge exchange and capacity development.
The partnership was initiated during a high-level strategic meeting held on Thursday, August 6, 2026, between a BOAN delegation led by its President, Hon. Olumekun Olubunmi, and the management team of the Port of Antwerp led by Associate Manager, Mrs. Niels Reyniers.
The engagement focused on strengthening collaboration between both organisations, sharing technical expertise and identifying practical solutions that would support the sustainable development of Nigeria’s inland waterway transport sector.
During the meeting, officials of the Port of Antwerp, regarded as one of the world’s leading maritime and inland waterway hubs, showcased the port’s integrated barge transport system, efficient port operations, digital innovations, safety standards and the critical role inland waterways play in facilitating trade while easing road congestion.
Both parties underscored the importance of international partnerships in building a more efficient and globally competitive inland waterway transport system in Nigeria, expressing a shared commitment to long-term collaboration that would enhance operational efficiency, capacity building and overall industry development.
Speaking after the meeting, BOAN President, Hon. Olumekun Olubunmi, described the engagement as a major milestone in the association’s efforts to reposition Nigeria’s barge industry.
He said the visit represented a strategic move towards building a stronger and more efficient barge transport system, noting that the Port of Antwerp had demonstrated global best practices in inland waterway transportation from which Nigeria could benefit.
Olubunmi expressed appreciation for the warm reception accorded the delegation and the port’s willingness to collaborate with BOAN, adding that the partnership would improve operational standards, promote capacity development and support the sustainable growth of barge operations in Nigeria.
According to him, the association remains committed to pursuing meaningful international partnerships that will bring innovation, technical expertise and global best practices into Nigeria’s inland waterways sector.
In her remarks, Associate Manager of the Port of Antwerp, Mrs. Niels Reyniers, welcomed the BOAN delegation and reaffirmed the port’s readiness to collaborate through knowledge sharing, technical cooperation and the exchange of operational experience to support the continued development of Nigeria’s barge transportation industry.
The meeting marked the beginning of what both organisations described as a promising relationship expected to create opportunities for innovation, investment, operational excellence and sustainable development across Nigeria’s inland waterways sector.
BOAN said it would continue to engage leading maritime institutions and global stakeholders as part of efforts to transform barge operations, improve logistics efficiency, decongest Nigerian seaports and strengthen the country’s blue economy through a modern and sustainable inland waterway transport system.
