MWUN,BOAN Steering Committee To Flag Off SOP On Barge Activities Next Week

On Nov 9, 2021

The alliance of Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria MWUN and Barge Operators Association of Nigeria (BOAN) Steering Committee on Tuesday , reaffirmed commitment to enforce the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) in furtherance to the sustainability of cargo movement through water transportation.

The steering Committee in a joint press briefing held in Lagos, noted that in view of barging activities as a mode of economical cargo transportation,SOP must be adhered to by operators.

The SOP is expected to commence on Monday 15th November 2021 along side the inauguration of the Steering Committee Management Unit with terms of reference for implementation of SOP on barging activities in the country.

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Vice Chairman of the Steering Committee, MWUN/BOAN Alliance, Comrade Harry Tonye Leonard explained that two groups have formed an alliance, culminating in the constitution of ten man were vested with the duty to develop a Standard Operating Procedure for barging activities in Nigeria.

President Dockworkers Branch, MWUN, Comrade Ibrahim Ohize, Deputy President General MWUN, Comrade Harry Tonye
Leonard and member of the steering Committee Hajia Bola Muse during a joint press briefing in Lagos on Tuesday on SOP

Tonye a Deputy President General ,MWUN, stated that the SOP is aimed to cover issues of safety, maintenance, training, documentation and certification,chandling ,medical, communications,levies and dues, welfare,guide to conduct, fueling, berthing speed , insurance and barging management system app (BMS).

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Açcording to him, ” The barge steering Committee having completed this aspect of its job is privileged to present to you and the public the completed booklet containing the SOP for barge operation in Nigeria.

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“The SOP will serve as guide to any and every person or organisations involved in barging operation within Nigeria territorial waters.

While fielding questions from journalists, Head of Enforcement , BOAN and member of the committee, Alhaji Nura Wagani pointed out barges belonging to members of association are of high standard explaining that volume of cargoes moved within the last ten months was quite high.

Wagani said barging activities has aided decongestion of the ports adding that barges belonging to members are licensed by maritime regulatory agencies of the federal government.

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On her part, Hajia Bola Muse , a member of BOAN assured stakeholders that the enforcement team of the alliance will ensure strict compliance to the flag off of the SOP.

Muse who also doubles as the Financial Secretary, Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) maintained that the alliance will streamline their operations to achieving success with the SOP .

Speaking on standardization, Haruna Omolajomo a member of the committee, averred that barge owners under BOAN has not recorded any form of accident since 2018, adding that the recent incident on the Lagos channels has no connection with members.