The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has announced a 15 per cent tariff increase.
The increase, which is across all NPA rates and dues, is the first in 32 years.
NPA managing director, Abubakar Dantsoho, disclosed this on Thursday in Lagos during a stakeholders’ engagement
Dantsoho, who was represented by the Executive Director of Marine and Operations, Olalekan Badmus, said the agency had maintained the same rates for over three decades despite significant economic changes, including exchange rate fluctuations, rising wages, fuel and lubricant costs, and inflation.
According to him, compelled by the exigency of bringing Nigerian Ports up to speed with those of its peers in terms of infrastructure and equipment, the NPA has secured necessary approvals for an upward review in its tariffs which was last reviewed in 1993.
He further explained that the 15 per cent upward increase is premised on the urgent need to address the undesirable reality of aged and weak Infrastructure, obsolete equipment and slow Port capacity expansion which has continued to diminish the performance and indeed competitiveness of Nigerian Ports.
Speaking at the forum, a stakeholder, Joshua Asanga, agreed with the increase adding that the value of NPA present tariff has since been suppressed by inflation which is at about 35 per cent.
He listed port management liabilities like wages, fuel and other areas of expenditure as having adjusted upwards without a commensurate rise in NPA charges for over thirty years.
Asanga added that the NPA needs funds for improved port infrastructure, robust ICT for Port Community System, procurement of tug boats and other operational platforms to achieve efficiency.
