By Abbas Nazil
Maritime stakeholders have called on the federal government to suspend the recently implemented 15 percent increase in port tariffs, warning that the decision could have severe economic consequences.
They argue that the hike would make Nigerian ports less competitive, drive cargo traffic to neighboring countries, and further weaken the shipping industry.
The Shipping Agencies, Clearing and Forwarding Employers Association (SSACFEA) voiced their concerns during a press conference in Lagos, where its president, Boma Alabi, criticized the government for failing to consult industry players before implementing the tariff adjustment.
She emphasized that the unilateral decision would burden importers, worsen trade inefficiencies, and hinder Nigeria’s maritime sector.
Alabi said that Nigerian ports already struggle to compete with regional counterparts due to high costs.
She noted that while docking fees in some ports cost as little as $15,000, Nigerian ports demand as much as $150,000, making them among the most expensive in the region.
The additional tariff hike, she warned, would only compound the problem, leading to a further loss of cargo traffic to ports in Ghana, Togo, and Côte d’Ivoire.
Before the implementation of the new charges, bringing in a 40ft container cost an extra N100,000, while a 20ft container cost N55,000.
Now, importers must pay an additional N290,000 and N145,000, respectively, making trade even more costly.
Alabi also compared Nigeria’s charges with international ports, noting that while Singapore charges $29,000 for berthing, Abidjan charges $60,000, and China $35,000, Nigeria remains uncompetitive despite inferior port infrastructure.
In response to these challenges, Alabi urged the government to reconsider the tariff structure, re-dollarize port charges, and invest in infrastructure expansion.
She stressed that port modernization should not come at the expense of trade competitiveness.
Echoing these concerns, Ramesh Saraf, deputy managing director of CMA CGM, warned that Nigeria’s cargo volume is already declining compared to regional competitors.
He pointed out that Tema Port’s Terminal C handled 1.9 million TEUs in 2024, while Nigerian ports managed only 1.2 million TEUs.
Lekki Deep Sea Port, which began operations in April 2023, is reportedly running at less than half capacity due to high operational costs—three times higher than other global ports.
The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) defended the tariff hike, stating that it was the first in 32 years and was necessary for infrastructure upgrades and modernization.
The NPA, which secured government approvals on February 6, insisted that the adjustments would enhance efficiency in the long run.
However, maritime stakeholders argue that if the policy is not reviewed, it will stifle economic growth and push Nigeria further behind in regional trade, making the country’s ports even less attractive for global shipping lines.