Yemisi Izuora
The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), has shut three illegal jetties in a renewed clamped down on unsea-worthy barges.
The action followed increasing reports of abuses of process in the operation of barges and private jetties.
A statement issued by the Authority in Nigeria on Monday said 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).
In addition, the statement, signed by Ibrahim Nasiru, Assistant General Manager, Corporate and Strategic Communications at the Authority, informed 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 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. “To this end, regular patrol of waterways will be carried out and sustained,” the statement assured.