The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has started engaging barge operators in the country on the need for them to meet minimum safety standards.

NPA Managing Director Mohammed Bello-Koko disclosed this during a media chat over the weekend in Lagos.

“We have met with barge operators and made them to understand the need to meet minimum safety standards – the same thing we did with truck operators,” he said.

Bello-Koko also disclosed that NPA is introducing charges for barge operators “because we are not Father Xmas. We are a government agency with revenue targets.”

He, however, noted that NPA would be considerate in arriving at the charges “because we are mindful not to charge an amount that they cannot pay.”

Bello-Koko also highlighted efforts being made by NPA under his watch to decongest Lagos ports, among them the resuscitation of eastern ports. He assured that efforts have been stepped up to improve facilities and security in the eastern maritime corridor so as to significantly improve activities at ports in the region.

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