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