The Nigerian Ports Authority says it is reviewing its charges upward by 15 per cent, citing a need for competitiveness and infrastructural upgrades.

NPA’s managing director, Abubakar Dantsoho, announced this during a maritime stakeholders’ meeting held in Lagos on Thursday.

He said this was the first time the Nigeria Ports Authority would review its rates since 1993.

Mr Dantsoho said the authority was compelled by the exigency of bringing Nigerian ports up to speed with its peers globally regarding infrastructure and equipment.

He said, “Though the NPA rates review has already been approved by the federal government, the management decided to meet with stakeholders on the issue out of the desire to carry everyone along.

“The 15 per cent upward review, 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.”

The NPA boss noted that the parastatal needs to address obsolete equipment and slow port capacity expansion, which has continued to diminish Nigerian ports’ performance and competitiveness.

He added, “Port authorities depend on revenue from operations to stay alive to their responsibilities, which include construction and maintenance of port infrastructure.

“Other responsibilities are dredging of channels, provision of aids for safe navigation, provision of modern marine crafts for efficient harbour services, automation and digitisation of port transactions, port security, energy efficiency and training and retraining of its employees.”

Also speaking, a maritime stakeholder, Joshua Asanga, concerned about the increase, said that the value of NPA’s present tariff had been suppressed by inflation, which was about 35 per cent.

Mr Asanga 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 30 years.

He noted that NPA needed funds for improved port infrastructure, robust ICT for the Port Community System, and procurement of tug boats and other operational platforms to achieve efficiency.

Another stakeholder, Demian Ukagu, spoke on the need to apply more NPA funding to outer port facilities and jetties like the Kirikiri Lighter Terminal and develop other critical port facilities across the country.

He noted that NPA rates should be able to cover these costs, guarantee a minimum return on investment, and promote sustainable trade.

(NAN)