The Barge Operators Association of Nigeria (BOAN) has initiated a formal partnership with the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN). This development comes amid renewed calls for reform and collaboration within the country’s ports and waterways, plagued for years by congestion, delays, and logistics bottlenecks.
During a courtesy visit to MWUN’s headquarters in Apapa, Lagos, BOAN’s Vice President, Hyginus Ndukwe, led a high-level delegation to meet with the newly elected President-General of MWUN, Comrade Francis Bunu. The meeting, held in late May 2025, was more than a ceremonial visit—it marked the beginning of what stakeholders describe as a mutually beneficial collaboration between two of the maritime sector’s most influential entities.
According to a statement issued by MWUN’s Head of Media, John Ikemefuna, the purpose of the visit was not only to congratulate Comrade Bunu on his election victory but to engage in meaningful dialogue on collaborative opportunities.
“The operators are ready and willing to do business with the union, believing that MWUN is capable of accommodating BOAN, given its magnitude and mode of operations in the country’s maritime industry,” Ndukwe stated.
The barge operators, who play a pivotal role in cargo movement and inland waterways logistics, have increasingly come under pressure due to infrastructural challenges, policy gaps, and friction with regulatory authorities. The planned alliance with MWUN is expected to smoothen operational tensions, foster dialogue, and open new pathways for resolving conflicts.
This alliance is particularly timely, as Nigeria intensifies efforts to decongest Lagos ports through multimodal transportation, including barging. With the movement of cargo through inland waterways gaining momentum as a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative, the need for collaboration between service providers and labour unions has never been more critical.
MWUN President-General, Comrade Francis Bunu, welcomed the proposal with enthusiasm, expressing the union’s willingness to engage in genuine partnerships that prioritize national interest and industrial harmony.
“We are open to collaboration with all stakeholders committed to improving Nigeria’s maritime sector. We will support BOAN to ensure efficiency and productivity in the ports, provided all parties remain focused on transparency and workers’ welfare,” Bunu said.
He assured BOAN that MWUN’s doors remain open to constructive engagement, especially in areas that involve industrial relations, conflict resolution, and safety standards.
Analysts believe the new alliance could help mitigate longstanding issues between barge operators and dockworkers, often marked by strikes, delays, and disputes over access rights. It could also reinforce ongoing policy reforms by the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), which has been working to streamline barge operations under a more coordinated regulatory framework.
The partnership is also likely to enhance communication, reduce downtime caused by disputes, and promote standardized procedures for cargo handling and jetty usage—an area that has seen recurring conflicts in the past.
According to industry expert and maritime consultant, Adebayo Ogunleye, “If properly structured, this alliance could mark a turning point for the sector. Both unions and operators have suffered from mutual suspicion in the past. This partnership signals a readiness to work together for the common good.”
While the details of the collaboration are still being finalised, both BOAN and MWUN have committed to forming a joint task force that will identify pain points, propose solutions, and establish clear communication channels for dispute management.
As Nigeria looks to boost its blue economy and expand inland water transport infrastructure, partnerships such as this one are crucial for driving sustainable growth, improving turnaround time, and supporting employment in the maritime value chain.
This development also aligns with the Federal Government’s efforts to enhance port efficiency and competitiveness under the National Development Plan (2021–2025).