Although long overdue, a quick win benefits of the NPA Tariff review for stakeholders, is the immediate boost it gives to the Authority to fast track the commencement of actual works on its concluded Port reconstruction and modernization plans.
Secondly, the Tariff review provides the necessary guarantees to fund the acquisition and urgent deployment of the Information Communications Technology (ICT) backbone of the PCS which is the precursor to the implementation of the NSW.
Furthermore, the increased revenue generation arising from the review buoys the Authority’s capacity for critical maintenance works to open up the Eastern Ports for increased vessel and cargo traffic such as the reconstruction of collapsed Escravos Breakwaters and challenged aspects of Rivers, Onne and Calabar Ports respectively.
At a stakeholders meeting in Lagos, the Managing Director of NPA, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho represented by Olalekan Badmus, Executive Director Marine and Operation said the management decision to meet stakeholders was borne out of desire to carry everyone along.
Speaking at the meeting, Mr. Joshua Asanga, a stakeholder agreed with the increase, adding that the value of NPA present tariff has since been suppressed Inflation which is at about 35% .
He added that NPA needs funds for improved port infrastructure, robust ICT for Port Community System, procurement of tug boats and other operational platforms to achieve efficiency
Another stakeholder, Demian Ukagu, who spoke at the event talked on the need to apply more NPA funding to outer port facilities and jetties like the Kirikiri Lighter Terminal and development of other critical port facilities across the country.
The meeting agreed that existing tariffs were set devoid of capital cost, labour cost, consumables and overhead expenditures needed to run the ports
They expressed fear that keeping the ports on the old tariff would promote consequences like poor service, inadequate infrastructure, poor remuneration, obsolete critical port facilities, equipment and infrastructure.
