Lagos, Feb. 6, 2025 – The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has announced a 15% upward review of port charges, marking its first tariff adjustment since 1993, as part of efforts to boost competitiveness and infrastructure development.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Speaking at a maritime stakeholders’ meeting in Lagos, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, Managing Director of the NPA, represented by Mr. Olalekan Badmus, Executive Director, Marine and Operations, stated that the increase was necessary to bring Nigerian ports up to global standards.
“The review, already approved by the Federal Government, became imperative due to aged infrastructure, obsolete equipment, and slow port capacity expansion, all of which have weakened efficiency and competitiveness,” he explained.
Key Justifications for the Tariff Increase:
• Aged port infrastructure & obsolete equipment affecting operations
• Rising operational costs, including wages & fuel amid 35% inflation
• Need for modern ICT systems & port automation
• Dredging, navigation aids, and security upgrades
Maritime stakeholders, including Mr. Joshua Asanga, acknowledged that inflation has eroded the value of NPA’s existing tariffs, making the review long overdue. Similarly, Mr. Demian Ukagu emphasized the need to channel funds into outer port facilities, such as the Kirikiri Lighter Terminal, to enhance trade and investment returns.
The meeting, attended by terminal operators, bonded terminal operators, and port users, agreed that the previous tariffs did not reflect capital costs, labor expenses, and overheads required to maintain the ports.
With this adjustment, the NPA aims to position Nigerian ports for higher efficiency and competitiveness, ensuring sustainable trade growth in the maritime sector.
