By Sandra Chukwunyere
The Barge Operators Association of Nigeria (BOAN) has entered into a strategic partnership with the Port of Antwerp, Belgium, aimed at strengthening barge operations and accelerating the development of Nigeria’s inland waterway transport sector.
The partnership was initiated during a high-level meeting held on Thursday, August 6, 2026, between a BOAN delegation led by its President, Hon. Olumekun Olubunmi, and officials of the Port of Antwerp led by Associate Manager, Mrs. Niels Reyniers.
The engagement focused on exploring areas of collaboration that will support the modernization of Nigeria’s barge industry through technical cooperation, knowledge sharing, capacity building and the adoption of international best practices.
During the discussions, officials of the Port of Antwerp shared insights into the port’s highly successful inland waterway transport model, which has played a critical role in facilitating trade, improving cargo evacuation, reducing road congestion and enhancing overall port efficiency.
The Belgian port authority also highlighted the importance of digital innovation, safety standards and integrated logistics systems in achieving a sustainable and globally competitive barge transportation network.
Both parties stressed the need for stronger international cooperation in addressing challenges facing inland waterway transportation and agreed that knowledge exchange would be crucial to unlocking the full potential of Nigeria’s waterways.
Speaking after the meeting, BOAN President, Hon. Olumekun Olubunmi, described the engagement as a major step towards transforming the country’s barge operations and improving the efficiency of cargo movement across Nigerian ports and waterways.
He said the Port of Antwerp’s achievements in inland waterway transportation offer valuable lessons for Nigeria, particularly at a time when stakeholders are seeking sustainable solutions to port congestion and logistics bottlenecks.
According to him, the association is committed to leveraging global partnerships to introduce innovation, enhance operational standards and build the technical capacity required to grow the sector.
Olubunmi expressed appreciation to the Port of Antwerp management for its willingness to collaborate with BOAN, noting that the partnership would contribute significantly to the development of a more efficient, reliable and sustainable inland waterway transport system in Nigeria.
In her remarks, Mrs. Niels Reyniers welcomed the Nigerian delegation and reaffirmed the Port of Antwerp’s readiness to support initiatives that promote knowledge sharing, technical cooperation and operational excellence.
She expressed confidence that the collaboration would create new opportunities for industry development while strengthening ties between maritime stakeholders in Nigeria and Belgium.
The meeting marks the beginning of what both organisations described as a promising long-term relationship aimed at driving innovation, attracting investment and promoting sustainable growth within Nigeria’s inland waterways sector.
BOAN stated that it would continue to engage leading maritime institutions and global partners in pursuit of its vision of transforming barge operations, improving logistics efficiency, decongesting seaports and supporting the growth of Nigeria’s blue economy.
