Barge Operation Critical to Cargo Evacuation – Shippers Council

The Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) has emphasized the importance of barge operations in enhancing cargo evacuation and easing congestion at the nation’s ports. The council noted that the efficient movement of goods via barges is essential to decongesting road networks and improving overall port efficiency.

According to the NSC, barge operations provide a viable alternative to road transport, reducing traffic bottlenecks caused by heavy-duty trucks and minimizing delays in cargo movement. With the increasing volume of imports and exports, the council stressed the need for greater investment in waterway infrastructure to support seamless logistics operations.

Stakeholders in the maritime sector have echoed the NSC’s position, stating that barge transportation offers cost-effective and environmentally friendly solutions for cargo evacuation. Many believe that expanding barge operations will not only ease port congestion but also reduce wear and tear on road infrastructure.

Despite the benefits, challenges such as regulatory bottlenecks, inadequate infrastructure, and safety concerns have hindered the full potential of barge operations. The NSC has called for stronger collaboration between government agencies and private sector operators to address these issues and promote efficient waterway logistics.

The council reaffirmed its commitment to working with relevant stakeholders to enhance barge operations, improve regulatory frameworks, and encourage investment in inland water transport. As Nigeria seeks to modernize its port system and improve trade facilitation, industry players see barge transportation as a critical component in achieving a more efficient and sustainable cargo evacuation process.