The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has strongly opposed the proposed 15% increase in port-related charges by the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), citing the current economic hardship faced by businesses in the country.
According to MAN, the increase in port tariffs will exacerbate the challenges faced by the real sector, including rising inflation, foreign exchange challenges, and declining industrial capacity utilization.
The association noted that many businesses are already struggling with unsustainable operating costs, and increasing port tariffs will only worsen the situation.
MAN Director General, Segun Ajayi-Kadir, emphasized that the proposed increase will have dire consequences, including increased cost of production, reduced competitiveness of Nigerian manufacturers, and increased smuggling due to high costs at Nigerian ports compared to neighboring countries.
Instead of increasing tariffs, MAN proposed alternative approaches to revenue generation, such as reducing port congestion and inefficiency, addressing bureaucratic bottlenecks, and improving port infrastructure. The association also advocated for competitive pricing strategies that align with global best practices.
MAN urged the NPA to shelve the proposed tariff increase and engage in stakeholder dialogue to explore sustainable alternatives for revenue generation.
