Shipping Association Rejects NPA’s 15% Port Tariff Increase, Cites Exorbitant 40ft Container Charges
The Shipping Association of Nigeria has vehemently rejected the Nigerian Ports Authority’s (NPA) proposed 15% increase in port tariffs, citing the already exorbitant charges imposed on importers and exporters.
According to the association, the NPA’s decision to increase tariffs will further exacerbate the challenges faced by stakeholders in the maritime industry, particularly the clearing agents in Nigeria who are already grappling with high operational costs.
One of the most contentious issues raised by the association is the significant increase in charges for 40ft containers, which has skyrocketed from N100,000 to N290,000. This drastic increase has left many importers and exporters reeling, as they struggle to absorb the additional costs.
The Shipping Association of Nigeria has argued that the NPA’s tariff increase is unjustified, given the existing challenges in the sector, including inadequate infrastructure, congested ports, and inefficient cargo clearance processes.
The Importers and Exporters of goods and cargos in Apapa Lagos and other major ports in Nigeria are particularly affected by these increases, as they often bear the brunt of additional costs and logistical challenges.
The association has called on the NPA to reconsider its decision, citing the need for a more nuanced approach that takes into account the complexities of the maritime industry and the plight of stakeholders, including the clearing and freight forwarding agents in Nigeria.
As the debate over the NPA’s tariff increase continues, one thing is clear: the need for a more collaborative and sustainable approach to port operations in Nigeria, one that balances the interests of all stakeholders, including importers, exporters, clearing agents, and the NPA itself.
Click Import-Services to learn more on required import clearing documents and procedures per cargo.
