Why plan to move 1000 containers from Lagos to Onitsha stalled - BOAN
The Barge Operators Association of Nigeria (BOAN) blamed the lack of security for delaying the takeoff of container movement from Lagos to Onitsha via barges.
Recall that NIWA in March 2021 announced its intention to move 1000 containers by barge from Lagos to Onitsha.
Speaking exclusively to the Nigerian Tribune in Lagos, BOAN Chairman, MrBunmiOlumekun explained that due to the huge funds spent by barge operators to engage security along the eastern routes of the country's waterways, the idea of moving 1000 containers from Lagos to Onitsha has been in the works for over a year now.
According to Mr. Olumekun, “Yes, NIWA approached us to move containers from Lagos to Onitsha. We bought the idea because it will help decongest the ports and increase the life of our highways.
“We wanted to get started, but the issue of who pays for security on such trips could not be resolved. Some of our members occasionally transport containers from Lagos to Warri, and this costs our members huge sums of money to ensure the safety of these trips.
"We have inquired with NIWA who will bear the cost of hiring security for the movement of containers from Lagos to Onitsha. This area of the arrangement has yet to be sorted.
"We cannot pay for security and still charge normal rates for such trips, and cargo owners do not want to bear the cost of hiring security. Cargo owners only want to pay the normal rate to move containers from Lagos to Onitsha.
"Since the owners do not want to bear the cost of these expenses, it would be unfair for us to bear such a cost. We are private investors and are in business to make a profit.
"Unless the government finds a way to ensure our safety, the movement of containers from Lagos to Onitsha will remain ongoing."
Recall that the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) announced in 2021 that it would begin the movement of containers from the ports of Lagos to the river port of Onitsha.
The agency said it is aiming for around 1,000 containers to be transported per trip from the ports of Lagos to the river port of Onitsha within a maximum of 4 days.
NIWA said it was engaging the Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA) and other stakeholders to facilitate the commencement of cargo transport.
NIWA added that it would engage the services of Akewa Colmar Terminal Limited (ACTL), to efficiently move the containers using barges through Burutu Port in Delta State.
"The idea of transporting containers through the ports of Burutu to the river port of Onitsha is to deliberately avoid the two small bridges of Gbarekolo and Bumandi.
"Because the two bridges are too small and shallow for badges or shipping vessels to pass through them, therefore the company (ACTL) is considering the route from Lagos Ports to Burutu Port and then to Onitsha river port as final destination,” NIWA said in 2021.
The Barge Operators Association of Nigeria (BOAN) blamed the lack of security for delaying the takeoff of container movement from Lagos to Onitsha via barges.
Recall that NIWA in March 2021 announced its intention to move 1000 containers by barge from Lagos to Onitsha.
Speaking exclusively to the Nigerian Tribune in Lagos, BOAN Chairman, MrBunmiOlumekun explained that due to the huge funds spent by barge operators to engage security along the eastern routes of the country's waterways, the idea of moving 1000 containers from Lagos to Onitsha has been in the works for over a year now.
According to Mr. Olumekun, “Yes, NIWA approached us to move containers from Lagos to Onitsha. We bought the idea because it will help decongest the ports and increase the life of our highways.
“We wanted to get started, but the issue of who pays for security on such trips could not be resolved. Some of our members occasionally transport containers from Lagos to Warri, and this costs our members huge sums of money to ensure the safety of these trips.
"We have inquired with NIWA who will bear the cost of hiring security for the movement of containers from Lagos to Onitsha. This area of the arrangement has yet to be sorted.
"We cannot pay for security and still charge normal rates for such trips, and cargo owners do not want to bear the cost of hiring security. Cargo owners only want to pay the normal rate to move containers from Lagos to Onitsha.
"Since the owners do not want to bear the cost of these expenses, it would be unfair for us to bear such a cost. We are private investors and are in business to make a profit.
"Unless the government finds a way to ensure our safety, the movement of containers from Lagos to Onitsha will remain ongoing."
Recall that the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) announced in 2021 that it would begin the movement of containers from the ports of Lagos to the river port of Onitsha.
The agency said it is aiming for around 1,000 containers to be transported per trip from the ports of Lagos to the river port of Onitsha within a maximum of 4 days.
NIWA said it was engaging the Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA) and other stakeholders to facilitate the commencement of cargo transport.
NIWA added that it would engage the services of Akewa Colmar Terminal Limited (ACTL), to efficiently move the containers using barges through Burutu Port in Delta State.
"The idea of transporting containers through the ports of Burutu to the river port of Onitsha is to deliberately avoid the two small bridges of Gbarekolo and Bumandi.
"Because the two bridges are too small and shallow for badges or shipping vessels to pass through them, therefore the company (ACTL) is considering the route from Lagos Ports to Burutu Port and then to Onitsha river port as final destination,” NIWA said in 2021.
What's Your Reaction?
