In a bid to enhance the competitiveness of Nigerian ports, the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has announced a 15% upward review of its tariffs, effective immediately.
This increase, the first in 32 years, aims to address the pressing need for improved port infrastructure, modern equipment, and expanded capacity .
The NPA’s tariffs were last reviewed in 1993, and the authority has been operating with outdated rates. The new increase will apply to all NPA rates and dues, generating much-needed revenue for the authority to upgrade its facilities and services.
According to stakeholders, the current tariffs have been suppressed by inflation, which stands at about 35%.
Joshua Asanga, a stakeholder, noted that port management liabilities, such as wages and fuel, have increased significantly over the years without a corresponding rise in NPA charges.
The NPA plans to utilize the increased revenue to fund critical projects, including:
– Port Reconstruction and Modernization*: Fast-tracking the commencement of actual works on concluded port reconstruction and modernization plans.
– Information Communications Technology (ICT) Backbone*: Acquiring and deploying the ICT backbone of the Port Community System (PCS), a precursor to the implementation of the National Single Window (NSW).
– Eastern Ports Development*: Conducting critical maintenance works to open up the Eastern Ports for increased vessel and cargo traffic.
Stakeholders have expressed support for the tariff increase, citing the need for improved port infrastructure and services to enhance Nigeria’s competitiveness in the global maritime industry.
