The Barge Operators Association of Nigeria (BOAN) has moved to secure the backing of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) in its bid to access the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund (CVFF) to boost barge capacity and expand cargo movement on Nigeria’s waterways.
Speaking during a courtesy visit to NIWA’s Lagos Area Office on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, BOAN President, Hon. Olumekun Olubunmi, appealed to the authority to support the association’s quest for inclusion in the disbursement of the long-awaited maritime intervention fund.
He said access to the CVFF would enable barge operators to expand fleet capacity, improve safety standards, and ease congestion on the nation’s highways by moving more cargo through inland waterways.
Olumekun also acknowledged the association’s past lapses in engagement with NIWA, pledging a renewed commitment to work closely with the regulator. He further called for policy advocacy to mandate a percentage of cargo movement via barges, stressing that such a measure would decongest roads and promote sustainable transport.
Responding, NIWA’s Lagos Area Manager, Engr.Sarat Braimah assured that BOAN was eligible for consideration under the CVFF and pledged inclusiveness once the fund’s disbursement framework is activated.
She, however, cautioned that any push for new policy measures must be matched with adequate service capacity to avoid operational setbacks.
The meeting also addressed other operational issues, including the utilisation of jetties, safety practices, and stakeholder engagement. BOAN sought approval to operate from some abandoned jetties under NIWA’s control, while NIWA advised that such requests be backed with clear operational capacity proposals.
On safety, NIWA expressed concern over barges navigating without tide readings, warning of potential bridge collision risks. The authority urged BOAN to enforce professional standards and agreed in principle to collaborate on a certified training programme for operators.
Both parties also agreed to strengthen communication channels, share operational data, and explore joint stakeholder engagement. A proposal for a joint regulatory taskforce was tabled to address recurring operational challenges in the sector.
