NPA, NIMASA, Others Unite Against Illegal Jetties, Barge Operators

The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA)  and other sister agencies in the Maritime sector has united to sanitize the Waterways by clamping down on unsea-worthy barges and illegal Jetties.

NPA in statement  on Mond explained that the decision followed the establishment of an inter-agency committee comprising of representatives of the NPA, Nigerian Maritime Administration Agency (NIMASA), Nigerian Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) and the Lagos State Inland Waterways Authority (LASWA).

The statement, signed by Assistant General Manager, Corporate and Strategic Communications, Ibrahim Nasiru, explained 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 Two 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 to ensure  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.

“To this end, regular patrol of waterways will be carried out and sustained,” the statement added.