By: Joy Enamuna

Shippers Council, NIMASA Boycott Crucial Meeting

The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) is set to commence the long-awaited implementation of a 15% tariff increase, which was approved two years ago but had yet to take effect. The adjustment aims to enhance operational efficiency and facilitate the procurement of modern equipment.

Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting, the Managing Director of NPA, Abubakar Dantsoho—represented by the Executive Director of Marine and Operations, Olalekan Badmus—emphasized the necessity of engaging stakeholders before rolling out the new tariff. He highlighted that the increase would enable the agency to acquire advanced equipment and upgrade port facilities, ultimately improving service delivery.

Joshua Asanga, one of the facilitators at the meeting, pointed out that port management expenses, including wages, fuel, and other operational costs, have significantly increased over the years. He noted that while these expenditures have continued to rise, NPA charges have remained unchanged for over three decades, making the tariff adjustment long overdue.

However, the meeting saw a notable absence of key stakeholders, as representatives from the Nigerian Shippers’ Council and the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) boycotted the event. Their absence raises questions about the level of consensus within the industry regarding the tariff hike.

As the NPA moves forward with the implementation, industry players will be watching closely to see how the increase impacts port operations and the broader maritime sector.