The Nigeria Association of Master Mariners of (NAMM) has urged the Federal Government to prioritise enhancing the international competitiveness of Nigerian ports before implementing tariff increases.
The President of NAMM, Capt. Tajudeen Alao, made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Lagos.
He said that the government should have focused on establishing Nigeria as a leading shipping hub in Africa before the recent tariff hike.
Alao suggested that increased business activity, driven by improved competitiveness, would naturally lead to higher revenue generation.
He said that government could generate business activities which would encourage more patronage before raising its income.
“If the Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA) has undergone proper research before arriving at the increment, then it will increase business activities.
“If NPA has done its research before arriving at 15 per cent tariff increment, then Government decision is okay and there is need for the authourity to consult stakeholders before final decision,” he said.
The Nigeria Ports Authority said on Feb. 6 that it was reviewing its charges upward by 15 per cent, citing a need for competitiveness and infrastructural upgrades.
The Managing Director of the NPA, Dr Abubakar Dantsoho, made this known during a maritime stakeholders’ meeting held in Lagos on Feb. 23.
He said that it was the first time the Nigeria Ports Authority would be reviewing its rates since 1993.
Dantsoho, said the authority was compelled by the exigency of bringing Nigerian ports up to speed with those of its peers globally in terms of infrastructure and equipments.
