Stakeholders Demand Port Tariff Review in Nigeria

On 14 September 2026, stakeholders in Nigeria's maritime industry called for a comprehensive review of port tariffs and improved vessel turnaround times at the 2026 Annual Maritime Lecture organized by the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN). Hadiza Bala Usman, the special adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Policy Coordination and former Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority, delivered the keynote address.

Usman stated that Nigeria's port modernization efforts should focus on reducing cargo-handling costs and enhancing export capacity. She identified six key dimensions of port transformation: infrastructure and operational models, modern equipment, digitalization, institutional reform, human capital, and commercial modernization.

Usman advocated for a predictable, transparent, and performance-based tariff regime, along with an annual Port Economic Performance Report to track various metrics. She noted that Nigerian ports handle over 80% of the country's imports and exports, making their efficiency vital for economic growth.

Improvements at Tin Can Island Port and Lagos Port Complex were also highlighted, as they were ranked among the world's most improved container ports from 2020 to 2025.