NPA clamps down on jetties, barges
By Abimbola Abdullahi
Sequel to the increasing reports of abuse in the process of operating barges and private jetties, the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), has clamped down on unsea -worthy barges and sealed three illegal jetties in Lagos.
The Authority said that the decision followed the establishment of an inter-agency committee comprising of representatives of NPA, Nigerian Maritime Administration Agency (NIMASA), Nigerian Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) and the Lagos State Inland Waterways Authority (LASWA).
Assistant General Manager, Corporate and Strategic Communications at the Authority, Ibrahim Nasiru, in a statement said that the committee is spearheading the “clearing of the waterways of lay-by barges and tugboats along Ibeji/Ilashe axis and as far as the Kirikiri Lighter Terminal and Mile 2 bridge, as well as the removal of wrongly anchored barges that are obstructing visibility along the Kirikiri channel.
“While soliciting for the cooperation of stakeholders at ensuring that barge operations are executed according to laid down regulations, the committee expressed its commitment to sustaining the current tempo of enforcement until operators totally comply with all laid down regulations”, a statement made available to the Maritime First indicated, adding: “To this end, the regular patrol of waterways will be carried out and sustained” he stated.
