Port Operators Protest as FG Implements 15% Tariff Increase from March 1

 Nigerian port operators have expressed strong opposition to the federal government’s decision to implement a 15% tariff hike on port charges starting March 1, warning that the move will increase the cost of goods and disrupt trade activities.

The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) announced the tariff adjustment as part of its revenue-enhancement strategy, arguing that the increment was necessary to improve port infrastructure and service delivery. However, importers, exporters, and clearing agents have criticized the timing of the policy, citing economic difficulties and the rising cost of doing business in the country.

Speaking on behalf of port stakeholders, the President of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), Kayode Farinto, stated that the tariff hike would ultimately be passed on to consumers, leading to higher prices for imported goods. He urged the government to reconsider the decision and explore alternative revenue-generation strategies.

Industry experts have warned that the tariff increase could discourage investors and make Nigerian ports less competitive compared to neighboring countries like Ghana and Benin Republic. The government has, however, insisted that the new charges are essential for sustaining port operations and modernizing maritime infrastructure.