COMTUA seeks government intervention on charges regulation of barge operations

Chinazor Megbolu |

The Council of Maritime Transport Unions and Associations (COMTUA) is seeking the Federal Government intervention towards regulating charges by barge operators.

The group made this call at the weekend ,asking the Federal Government to intervene and regulate charges of barge operators in Lagos State.

The President, COMTUA, Mr. Leye Thompson, stated that the charges on the movement of goods along the waterways are very high.

He explained that operators should serve as a relief and make business easier instead of making it difficult for the customers.

“The barge business is a good idea. At least, it will help decongest the roads as well but their charges are what my members are complaining about.

“The charges are abnormal and on the high side. If you are to come in as a relief, there is no reason you should be asking for N200,000 – N250,000 for a container.”

“If they can review their price and it is reasonable then that will be a noble idea,” he said.

Thompson also noted that the association had mapped out plans to engage the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) and the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) on the need to review and regulate pricing of barge operators.