Efficient barge operations : MWUN, BOAN in strategic partnership

• Inaugurates steering Committee to harmonise barge operations

*As BOAN concludes plan for first annual convention

(Report by Udeme Clement)

In a bid to enhance efficiency on barge operations in Nigerian waters, the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria
( MWUN); and Barge Operators Association of Nigeria (BOAN); have formed strategic partnership for better service delivery.

The two entities also inaugurated a high powered steering Committee, with a cardinal objective of harmonising activities of Barge operators in the country.

The Committee was formally inaugurated on Tuesday, August 17, 2021, in Lagos; and
Alhaji Ahmed Mohammed emerged as the Committee Chairman.

In his remarks, Alhaji Mohammed, assured that the Committee will work tirelessly to achieve its objectives.

His words:
“The Committee will harmonise activities of barge operators in the maritime industry.
It will also look at the operational guidelines of utilising waterways infrastructure, as well as manpower to enhance efficiency in barge operations.
These measures are imperative to promote growth of the barge sub-sector and the maritime industry at large.

“The Committee is ready to commence seamless barge operations in synergy with the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria. There are important elements of our operations that will be taken in consideration. For instance, Insurance.
In this aspect, we will select a team to manage the five channels accordingly.

Also speaking, the President General of MWUN, Prince Adewale Adeyanju, enthused: “The collaboration between MWUN and BOAN is marriage of convenience; and has come to stay.

”Today is my happiest day. We are not only going to operate in Lagos alone but in other parts of the country.
This strategic partnership is a good initiative and will show the government that we are serious. MWUN will continue to support BOAN to succeed.

More so, the President of BOAN, Mr Edeme Kelikume, stressed;
“The economic role barge operations will play in the maritime industry and the economy at large is unquantifiable. After my first meeting with Comrade Adeyanju, 70 days after, a child which is the collaboration we are witnessing today has been been born.

“The Committee should be disciplined, take its task seriously and make it work. .No discipline, no progress, I urge the Committee to take this assignment seriously.”

The inauguration was a huge success.
Other members of the Committee from BOAN side includes, Alhaji Mohammed Jika, Mrs Toyin Oyeleke, Alhaji Kehinde Muko and Ebitimi Dawodu.
From MWUN were Tunde Balogun ( APMT); Sarafa Oguntoyinbo (TICT); Akeem Bolaji (ENL), Moses Osagie (Jetties and Standard Flour Mills); Akeem Ekundayo, Yomi Ogedegbe and Bature Yusuf.

In the same vein, BOAN is ready to hold its first annual Convention focusing on barge operations in Nigeria. The event is slated for this month of August, 2021, at the prestigious Marriott Hotel, Ikeja GRA, Lagos.

Dignitaries expected include Minister of Transportation, Hon. Rotimi Amaechi, as
the Special Guest of Honour, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo- Olu, as the Chief host;
Chief Adebayo Sarumi, as Chairman of the occasion, BOAN President; Hon. Bunmi Olumekun , Vice President and Hajia Bola Muse, as the Chairperson of the event planning Committee.

Our Correspendent gathered that the President of BOAN, Mr Edeme, has been working assiduously to improve barge operations in Nigeria, especially in the aspect of safety.

Not too long ago, the BOAN President and top members of his group were at Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), for a working visit, which focused mainly on how to reposition the barge sub-sector for greater productivity.

The BOAN President during that visit urged government and relevant maritime agencies to support barge operations, in order to create jobs for Nigerians and generate more revenue for economic growth, like what obtains in advanced countries.
He sought support on provision of modern equipment for local operators to thrive.