The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has stated that contrary to misconceptions, its tariffs are not the
highest along the West African coast.
highest along the West African coast.
The NPA, in a statement on Thursday, said result of an assessment carried out in May 2019, by Messers Crown Agents, commissioned by the Authority with the support of UK Aid, revealed that it was cheaper to berth general and container vessels in Nigerian ports than it was in Ghana and Togo.
It said that “Specifically: while it costs $94,567.63 VAT inclusive to berth a general cargo vessel with GRT of 26,770, LOA at 196m and cargo of 14,100 MT in Nigerian ports for instance, ports in Ghana and Togo charge $217,879.07 and $120, 357.58 exclusive of VAT for the same types of cargo respectively.
“Similarly, while the Authority charges $108, 806.90 VAT inclusive on a container vessel with 39,906 GRT, LOA of 261m carrying 172×20” and 139×40” containers, ports in Ghana and Togo charge $117,906.58 and
$128,406.94 exclusive of VAT respectively.”
$128,406.94 exclusive of VAT respectively.”
The NPA, therefore, said that apart from towage dues, which were reviewed to cover the cost of providing the service in 2015, its tariffs remained the same since 1993.
It added that: “This is also in spite of the erroneous inclusion of stevedoring charges, which is collected by Terminal Operators as the Authority’s component.
“Costs like freight rates and terminal handling charges are components outside the purview of the Nigerian Ports Authority, which has no powers to regulate economic activities at the ports.”
The NPA assured its customers and all port users of its commitment to the ease of doing business policy of the Federal Government, with a target of working to enhance the competitiveness of all Nigerian ports.
