Business
Manufacturers Kick Against 15% Increment in Port Tariffs; Give Reasons
Many manufacturers who operate as tenants in NPA facilities will also face escalated costs, which could significantly disrupt the slight moderation in the mounting challenges that has bedeviled the manufacturing sector in recent times.

▪︎Segun Ajayi-Kadir, MAN Director-General
The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), having consulted widely with its members across the country, expresses grave concern over the proposed 15% increase in port-related charges by the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA).
In a position statement released by Segun Ajayi-Kadir, MAN Director-General, on Sunday, said that the proposed increment is coming up at a time when businesses are struggling with the rising cost of operations, high rate of foreign exchange, astronomical energy costs, and general economic uncertainties, imposing additional financial burdens on manufacturers through increased port tariffs will exacerbate the challenges faced by the real sector.
Port Operations and Their Impact on Manufacturing
Ports are the gateway to international trade and play a crucial role in the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of business operations.
According to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) 80% of Nigeria’s traded goods are transported by sea, with 70% of total imports and exports in West and Central Africa destined for Nigeria.
This underscores the critical role Nigerian ports play in facilitating trade and industrial productivity.
For manufacturers, port-related charges constitute significant indirect costs, as most raw materials and industrial machinery are imported through these ports.
Any increase in charges will have a ripple effect, leading to higher production costs, increased inflationary pressures, and reduced competitiveness of locally manufactured goods.
Many manufacturers who operate as tenants in NPA facilities will also face escalated costs, which could significantly disrupt the slight moderation in the mounting challenges that has bedeviled the manufacturing sector in recent times.
The Economic Realities and Global Competitiveness
Nigeria’s current economic climate is characterized by rising inflation, foreign exchange challenges, and declining industrial capacity utilization.
Many businesses are experiencing worrying downturn due to unsustainable operating costs. Increasing port tariffs is therefore ill-timed and could signal a departure from government’s avowed efforts and commitment to the ease of doing business.
It is inevitable that this additional strain on industrial activities will ultimately lead to reduce capacity utilization and possibly job losses.
Furthermore, Nigeria must remain competitive in regional trade. Neighboring countries with more efficient and cost-effective ports will become far more attractive alternatives, leading to increased cargo diversion.
This will not only reduce revenue for the Nigerian government but will encourage smuggling and other untoward trade practices that weaken our economy.
Alternative Approaches to Revenue Generation
While we acknowledge the need for revenue generation, increasing port tariffs could be counterproductive in the long run.
The real issues affecting port revenue include:
Port congestion and inefficiency:
Reducing turnaround time for vessels and improving cargo-clearing processes can significantly boost revenue.
High demurrage charges:
Addressing bureaucratic bottlenecks that delay cargo clearance will ensure faster throughput and more efficient revenue collection. Infrastructure investment: Improving port infrastructure will enhance operational efficiency and attract more business, leading to natural revenue growth.
Competitive pricing strategies:
Instead of raising tariffs, aligning Nigerian port charges with global best practices will encourage more trade volume and increase overall earnings.
Our Appeal to the Nigerian Ports Authority
The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria’s implores the NPA to shelve the proposed 15% tariff increase and instead, collaborate with stakeholders to explore sustainable alternatives for revenue generation.
Increasing tariffs in the current economic climate will have dire consequences, including:
1. Increased cost of production, leading to higher prices of goods and fanning inflation.
2. Reduced competitiveness of Nigerian manufacturers in local and international markets.
3. Increased smuggling due to high costs at Nigerian ports compared to neighboring countries. 4. Decline in government revenue due to lower cargo turn out and manufacturing downturn.
Rather than imposing additional financial burdens on businesses, we propose a stakeholder dialogue to explore strategies for enhancing port efficiency, reducing operational bottlenecks, and creating a more business-friendly environment that will ultimately lead to increased revenue without undermining industrial growth and competitiveness.
We earnestly advocate for caution and deep reflection on the part of the NPA, as a key stakeholder in Nigeria’s economic development.
NPA’s consultation with key economic actors after it has decided on the increase is tantamount to putting the cart before the horse and does not demonstrate goodwill.
We call on NPA to rescind the planned increase in order to avert a monumental downturn in the fortunes of businesses in Nigeria.
The manufacturing sector can ill-afford such an increase at this time; it runs against the present administration’s efforts at making Nigeria a trading hub in the West African sub-region, and would definitely constitute a drag in the efforts of government to stabilize the economy in the year 2025.
Business
Dangote Refinery Debunks shutdown rumour, says PMS’s gantry price remains N850

The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has firmly dismissed recent reports alleging a shutdown of its operations, reassuring the public and market stakeholders that its activities remain fully active and stable.
In an official statement by the Group Chief Branding and Communications Officer, Anthony Chiejina, the refinery’s management categorically denied claims that truck loading has been suspended or that production has been interrupted. “The Dangote Petroleum Refinery is fully operational. There has been no shutdown, nor has there been any suspension of truck loading activities” the statement reads.
The refinery also clarified that the intermittent sale of Residual Catalytic Oil (RCO) is part of normal business operations, often involving large parcel sales, which explains the recent fuel oil tender.
According to the management, Dangote Petroleum Refinery consistently supplies over 40 million litres of PMS daily, alongside steady volumes of Automotive Gas Oil (diesel). These supplies continue unabated, despite speculation suggesting otherwise.
“As the world’s largest single-train petroleum refinery, the facility employs advanced predictive and preventive maintenance protocols to ensure uninterrupted operations. Routine maintenance activities are standard and do not impact the overall fuel supply” the statement further clarified.
In response to speculation about potential supply shortages and price increases, the refinery challenged those sponsoring the rumour to place orders for daily deliveries of up to 40 million litres of PMS and 15 million litres of diesel for the next 90 days.
“To those who believe this misinformation and anticipate a bullish market, we extend a challenge: We invite interested buyers to place immediate orders for up to 40 million litres of PMS daily and 15 million litres of AGO daily, for the next 90 days, with full upfront payment. Should any supposed supply shortage occur, these buyers would be well-positioned to benefit from the predicted market rise,” it added.
The refinery reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and Nigeria’s energy security, urging the public to disregard unfounded rumours sponsored by unscrupulous and unpatriotic individuals seeking to undermine the country’s energy independence for their own selfish interests, including the importation of substandard fuels under the false pretext of domestic supply shortages.
Business
Ikeja Electric releases new prepaid meter prices

Ikeja Electric has released updated prices for prepaid meters, which take effect from August 6, 2025. The revised rates cover both single-phase and three-phase meter types and are inclusive of VAT.
The revised rates were announced on the disco’s official X account on Friday.
The company announced that “MBH Power Ltd’s one-phase costs ₦135,987.50, while the three-phase costs ₦226,825.00. Turbo Energy Ltd’s one-phase costs ₦145,608.75, while the three-phase costs ₦236,903.13.
“Aries Electric Ltd’s one-phase costs ₦145,125.00, and the three-phase costs ₦258,000.00. Mojec Asset Management Company Ltd’s one-phase costs ₦135,718.75, and the three-phase costs ₦226,825.00.
“Paktim Metering Nig. Ltd, the one-phase meter costs ₦137,600.00, while the three-phase meter costs ₦233,275.00. Holley Metering Ltd’s one-phase meter costs ₦133,854.03, three-phase meter costs ₦219,497.09.
“CIG Metering Assets Nigeria Ltd’s one-phase meter costs ₦150,500.00, New Hampshire Capital Ltd’s one-phase meter costs ₦133,300.00 and the three-phase costs ₦231,125.00.”
The electricity distribution company noted that the prices are “valid subject to meter availability,” adding that the changes are part of its effort to ensure customers have access to up-to-date information on meter procurement.
The company also assured customers that the new pricing reflects the latest approved rates for meter providers under its Meter Asset Provider scheme.
Business
Global electricity demand to keep growing robustly through 2026 despite economic headwinds – IEA
Renewables are expected to overtake coal as the world’s largest source of electricity as early as 2025 or by 2026 at the latest, depending on weather and fuel price trends.

Global electricity demand is set to rise by 3.3% in 2025 and 3.7% in 2026 – more than twice as fast as total energy demand growth over the same period, the IEA’s Electricity Mid-Year Update finds.
The new report underscores the increasing demand for electricity to power factories and appliances, keep buildings cool, operate growing fleets of data centres, run electric vehicles and more.
While the latest forecasts for global electricity demand growth this year and next are a deceleration from the 4.4% surge recorded in 2024, they remain well above the 2015-2023 average of 2.6%.
Renewables are expected to overtake coal as the world’s largest source of electricity as early as 2025 or by 2026 at the latest, depending on weather and fuel price trends.
At the same time, nuclear power output is expected to reach record highs, driven by reactor restarts in Japan, robust output in the United States and France, and new additions, mostly in Asia.
The steady increase in gas-fired power generation is set to continue displacing coal and oil in the power sector in many regions.
As a result of these developments, carbon dioxide emissions from electricity generation are currently forecast to plateau in 2025 and record a slight decline in 2026, although weather and economic conditions could affect that trajectory.
“The growth in global electricity demand is set to remain robust through 2026, despite an uncertain economic backdrop,” said Keisuke Sadamori, IEA Director of Energy Markets and Security.
“The strong expansion of renewables and nuclear is steadily reshaping electricity markets in many regions. But this must be matched by greater investment in grids, storage and other sources of flexibility to ensure power systems can meet the growing demand securely and affordably.”
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