The Sea Empowerment and Research Center (SEREC) has called for regulatory harmonisation and structured reforms in Nigeria’s barge operations sub-sector, following recent concerns raised within the industry regarding operational pressures and regulatory practices.

In a statement by SEREC Head of Research, Eugene Nweke, any disruption to barge perations efficiency carries significant implications for trade facilitation and economic stability.

While acknowledging the critical role of regulatory agencies in ensuring safety, compliance, and environmental protection, SEREC emphasised the need for a balanced and coordinated approach that does not inadvertently stifle a sector widely regarded as essential to port efficiency and national logistics.

“The barge sector has evolved into a strategic logistics backbone supporting operations around the ports. Any disruption to its efficiency carries significant implications for trade facilitation and economic stability,” it stated.

SEREC noted that the current situation reflects broader structural challenges within the sector, including overlapping regulatory mandates, multiplicity of charges, access constraints, and rising operational costs.

“These issues, if left unresolved, could reverse gains made in decongesting port corridors and enhancing cargo evacuation efficiency,” the centre added.

It stressed that while concerns raised by operators deserve careful attention, regulatory authorities must also be supported in enforcing safety standards and maintaining order within inland waterways operations.

The body added: “The absence of a unified national framework governing barge operations; overlapping roles among multiple regulatory bodies; Increasing compliance costs affecting operator sustainability; and the need to strengthen safety without imposing abrupt or disruptive measures must be addressed.”

SEREC further urged stakeholders to avoid actions or narratives that could escalate tensions, emphasising the need for constructive engagement and mutual respect between regulators and operators. (Tribune)