The Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has ordered a probe into barge operations at Apapa Port following complaints by members of the Barge Operators Association of Nigeria (BOAN) that foreign operators are being given preference over indigenous barge operators at the nation’s ports.

The association said the development has led to a sharp decline in the number of indigenous operators, dropping from 83 to eight.

Speaking recently during the 2026 First Quarter Citizens/Stakeholders’ Engagement and Ministerial Management Retreat in Lagos, Director of Operations for BOAN, Nura Wagani, alleged a coordinated and deliberate attempt by foreign interests to edge local operators out of business.

The association revealed that the number of indigenous barge operating companies in Nigeria has plummeted from 83 to just 8, calling for urgent government intervention to prevent the total extinction of local players.

He expressed concern that policies, operational bottlenecks, and preferential treatment allegedly being accorded to some foreign-linked entities by certain terminal operators are creating an uneven playing field.

His words, “The foreigners have taken over our business. We as indigenous barge operators in the country do not have a say. The foreigners own the terminals and the barges. So where do we run to?

“We have 83 indigenous barge companies in Nigeria, but now we are just eight remaining. Are we not part of this country? Are we not contributing to the economy?” he queried.

Wagani called for the creation of a Deputy Director in charge of barge operations position within the Ministry of Marine & Blue Economy to provide a dedicated channel for indigenous operators to resolve operational challenges.

In his response, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, directed the Nigerian Shippers’ Council to investigate the claims and make formal recommendations.

“I am directing the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council to look into it, and make a formal recommendation for us to be able to support them,” the minister said.

Oyetola emphasised the federal government’s commitment to protecting local investments and ensuring fair competition within the maritime industry.

He stressed that any form of anti-competitive behavior or policy inconsistency that disadvantages Nigerian businesses would not be tolerated.

The minister also reiterated the importance of stakeholder engagement as a platform for identifying sectoral challenges and shaping responsive policy interventions.

He noted that the government remains focused on strengthening the marine and blue economy sector as a driver of national growth, job creation, and sustainable development. (TRIBUNE)