Business
NPA Jerks Ports tariff to 15% for Infrastructural Competitiveness
At a stakeholders meeting in Lagos, the Managing Director of NPA, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho represented by Olalekan Badmus, Executive Director Marine and Operation said the management decision to meet stakeholders was borne out of desire to carry everyone along.
The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) says on Thursday that it has secured the government’s approval to raise ports tariffs to 15 percent.
In a statement on the Ports page via X , NPA said :” This adjustment, the first since 1993, is intended to enhance the efficiency and competitiveness of Nigerian ports.
The 15% upward increase which is to cut across all NPA Rates and Dues 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.”
It noted that globally, Port Authorities depend on revenue from operations to stay alive to their responsibilities which includes construction and maintenance of Port infrastructure, dredging of channels, provision of aids for safe navigation, provision of modern marine crafts for efficient harbour services, automation and digitization of port transactions, port security, energy efficiency and training and retraining of its employees.
“The global index of Port rating and competitiveness which the international trade community relies on for its choice of countries to do business with, derives its data from how well the aforementioned responsibilities are addressed.
Coming at this period of global economic upheaval and scramble for markets, this belated Tariff review borne out of necessity constitutes a critical success factor in Nigeria’s quest to win back cargo handling business and it’s accompanying benefits including job opportunities it had lost to it’s maritime neighbors.
At a stakeholders meeting in Lagos, the Managing Director of NPA, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho represented by Olalekan Badmus, Executive Director Marine and Operation said the management decision to meet stakeholders was borne out of desire to carry everyone along.
At the meeting, Mr. Joshua Asanga, a stakeholder agreed with the increase, and 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.
He added that NPA needs funds for improved port infrastructure, robust ICT for Port Community System, procurement of tug boats and other operational platforms to achieve efficiency
Business
Expectations High For Nigeria’s First Policy Ministerial Quarterly Briefing
In May 2025, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu announced the ‘Nigeria First’ policy, a bold assertion of economic sovereignty to reshape Nigeria’s financial priorities.
*Dr Jumoke Oduwole, the Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment
The first three months of the Federal Government’s “Nigeria First Policy” directive ended with stakeholders expecting Dr Jumoke Oduwole, the Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, to update the business community, especially Nigerian manufacturers on how well the Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) have complied with the Patronage of quality made in Nigeria products.
In May 2025, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu announced the ‘Nigeria First’ policy, a bold assertion of economic sovereignty to reshape Nigeria’s financial priorities.
This policy emphasises the promotion of domestic goods and services, particularly within government procurement and public sector activities.Its core objectives are to strengthen Nigeria’s local industries, reduce import dependence, and accelerate industrialisation through import substitution.
Following the enthusiasm surrounding the policy, the Minister stated during an appearance on Channels TV that her ministry would conduct quarterly performance evaluations of all MDAs based on their adherence to the Nigeria First Policy, emphasising the importance of buying made-in-Nigeria goods and services.
She noted that compliance with the policy will now be integrated into performance metrics for the President’s Central Coordinating Delivery Unit.
Oduwole asserted, “This compliance will be continuously monitored. As a major player in the economy, the government must lead by example by boosting local production and decreasing reliance on imports.
“She outlined three main areas where the policy will be implemented: focusing on local procurement, ensuring that all local options are considered before exploring foreign alternatives, and improving regulatory and bureaucratic processes to support local enterprises.
The Minister expressed that her ministry’s performance aligns with the President’s directives, with the overarching goal of fostering both domestic and foreign investment to enhance productivity, trade, and export growth.
Business
CPPE Urges Sustained Support for High-Performing Sectors and Targeted Assistance for Sectors in Recession
The sectors currently in recession include air transport, textiles, and coal mining.
•Dr Jumoke Oduwole, Minister of Industry Trade and Investment
The Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise (CPPE) has called for ongoing lending support for high-performing sectors of the economy and targeted intervention for sectors currently in recession.
This appeal follows the recently rebased Gross Domestic Product (GDP) figures released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), now based on a new reference year 2019.
The latest GDP data for Quarter 1 of 2025 reveals the following:- 37 sectors recorded growth, though many experienced a slowdown.- 9 sectors contracted, and 3 sectors are in recession.
The top-performing sectors include:- Financial Services: 15.3%- Oil Refining: 11.51%- Transportation: 14.08%- Information and Communication Technology (ICT): 7.4%- Metal Ores: 25%Conversely, the sectors that contracted are:- Livestock: -16.7%- Fishing: -0.21%- Textiles: -1.63%- Coal Mining: -22.3%- Quarry & Minerals: -21.55%- Plastics and Rubber: -3.2%- Iron & Steel: -0.35%- Air Transport: -0.81%.
The sectors currently in recession include air transport, textiles, and coal mining.
Dr. Muda Yusuf, director and CEO of CPPE, emphasised the importance of enhancing productivity in critical areas such as agriculture, manufacturing, and trade.
He stated, “These sectors are essential for economic inclusion, job creation, self-reliance, economic security, and diversification.
However, their growth rates are currently below expectations: agriculture grew by only 0.7%, and manufacturing by 1.7% in Q1 2025.
These sectors require targeted interventions to unlock their full potential and drive sustainable development.”
The Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals has appointed David Bird, the former head of Oman’s Duqm Refinery, as its new Chief Executive Officer.
A report by S&P global on Friday said, Bird heads the refinery’s petroleum and petrochemicals division in a strategic move to overcome production challenges and advance its next wave of expansion.
Effective from July 2025, the former Shell head of operations at its Balau Pokom refinery stepped in as CEO of the Dangote Group’s fuels and petrochemicals business, which commissioned the world’s largest single-train refinery last year.
The CEO participated at the just concluded Dangote Leadership Development Program Graduation Ceremony.
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