Contrary to misconceptions being perpetrated in some quarters, the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has said that it does not charge the highest tariffs among the West African coast.
The General Manager, Corporate and Strategic Communications, NPA, Engr. Adams Jatto who made this clarifications in a statement in Lagos recently recalled that In May 2019, Messers Crown Agents, who were commissioned by the Authority with the support of UK Aid produced the result of an assessment which revealed that it was cheaper to berth general and container vessels in Nigerian ports than it was in Ghana and Togo.
Jatto said, “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.”
He reiterated that apart from towage dues, which were reviewed to cover the cost of providing the service in 2015, NPA tariffs had remained the same since 1993.
“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”, he added.
He assured all the customers of the NPA and all port users of the Authority’s commitment to the ease of doing business policy of the President Muhammadu Buhari administration adding that NPA was working to enhance the competitiveness of all Nigerian ports.
Photo: Managing Director, NPA, Ms Hadiza Bala Usman.
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