The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has implemented a 15% tariff adjustment in port rates and dues for the first in 32 years.
The decision aimed at addressing aging port infrastructure, obsolete equipment and slow capacity expansion.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ engagement in Lagos, NPA Managing Director, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, explained that the adjustment was necessary to ensure sustainable port operations and service efficiency.
He stressed that globally port authorities depend on revenue from tariffs to finance essential operations such as port construction, maintenance, dredging, security and digitalisation.
Dantsoho, who was represented by NPA’s Executive Director of Marine and Operations, Olalekan Badmus, noted that Nigeria’s ports have lagged behind due to outdated tariffs that failed to accommodate capital costs, operational expenses and necessary upgrades.
He emphasised that modernisation efforts, including the reconstruction of collapsed port structures and deployment of ICT systems for the Port Community System (PCS), will be accelerated with the additional revenue.
“The stabilisation of port infrastructure, coupled with increased automation, will position Nigerian ports to attract more cargo traffic, improve turnaround time, and enhance efficiency,” he stated.
Addressing concerns over increased costs, Dantsoho dismissed claims that Nigerian port tariffs are higher than those of regional competitors, citing verifiable data that places them among the lowest in West Africa.
He further noted that despite rising inflation, higher operational costs and increased demand for port services, NPA had maintained the same tariff structure for over three decades.
At the meeting, former NPA General Manager of Operations, Joshua Asanga, backed the tariff increase, pointing out that inflation, currently at 35%, has eroded the real value of previous rates.
He stated that key expenses such as wages, fuel and maintenance have increased, therefore, making a tariff adjustment inevitable.
Stakeholders at the engagement also revealed the need for investment in outer port facilities, including the Kirikiri Lighter Terminal as well as the development of access roads and critical port infrastructure to ease congestion and boost trade efficiency.
As part of the new revenue allocation, NPA has pledged to prioritise dredging, expand cargo-handling facilities and improve port security.
The agency also noted that increased investments in modern marine crafts and digitisation would streamline port transactions and enhance operational efficiency.
With the tariff adjustment now in effect, industry players are keenly watching how the additional revenue will be deployed to strengthen Nigeria’s port infrastructure, service delivery and global competitiveness.
