Significant 15% Hike in Port Tariffs by NPA
The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has announced a 15% increase in port tariffs, marking the first adjustment in 32 years. This decision was revealed during a stakeholders’ engagement in Lagos on February 6, 2025. NPA’s Managing Director, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, represented by the Executive Director of Marine and Operations, Olalekan Badmus, explained that the tariff adjustment is necessary to address the deteriorating state of port infrastructure, outdated equipment, and slow capacity expansion, all of which have affected the performance and competitiveness of Nigerian ports.
Dr. Dantsoho emphasized that the NPA had maintained the same rates since 1993, despite significant economic changes such as exchange rate fluctuations, rising wages, increased fuel and lubricant costs, and inflation. He noted that globally, port authorities rely on revenue from operations to fulfill responsibilities including the construction and maintenance of port infrastructure, dredging of channels, provision of aids for safe navigation, acquisition of modern marine crafts for efficient harbor services, automation and digitization of port transactions, port security, energy efficiency, and workforce training.
The 15% tariff increase will be applied across all NPA rates and dues. However, specific details regarding which services or fees will be affected were not provided in the available sources. Stakeholders have acknowledged the necessity of the increase, considering that the value of the current tariff has been significantly eroded by inflation over the past three decades.