The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has announced a 15% increase in tariffs, marking the first adjustment in over three decades. The decision, aimed at addressing long-standing economic challenges, was disclosed on Thursday in Lagos during a stakeholders’ engagement session.
NPA Managing Director, Abubakar Dantsoho, represented by the Executive Director of Marine and Operations, Olalekan Badmus, explained that the agency has maintained the same tariff structure for 32 years despite significant economic shifts. These include rising inflation, fluctuating exchange rates, increased wages, and higher costs for fuel and lubricants.
“The adjustment was necessary to ensure that the NPA can continue to provide world-class services in the face of rising operational expenses,” Dantsoho said.
He assured stakeholders that the tariff hike was carefully reviewed to minimize its impact on port users while enabling the NPA to sustain its operations and meet growing demands.
The announcement sparked mixed reactions among stakeholders, with some expressing concerns over increased costs for businesses, while others acknowledged the need for the adjustment after such a long period without any review.
The NPA urged private sector stakeholders to collaborate with the agency in ensuring efficient port operations, emphasizing its commitment to transparency and service improvement despite the tariff adjustment.
