NIGERIAN PORTS AUTHORITY (DUES AND RATES) REGULATIONS

Regulations specify the dues and rates for port services and infrastructure use. They target shipping lines, cargo owners, and terminal operators. This enables transparent revenue collection for port maintenance.

What Is This Policy?

Regulations specifying the dues, rates, and charges payable to the NPA for vessel calls, cargo handling, use of port infrastructure, and other port services.

Who Does It Target?

Shipping lines and vessel operators Cargo owners and importers/exporters Terminal operators and port service companies NPA finance and revenue department

What Does It Aim to Achieve?

Provide a transparent, legally binding schedule of port charges enabling port users to budget accurately for port costs and ensuring NPA collects the revenues needed to maintain port infrastructure.

Key Features

Vessel Dues: Sets port dues, tonnage dues, and berth dues payable by vessels calling at Nigerian ports. Cargo Rates: Prescribes wharfage, storage, and handling rates for different cargo types and port areas. Service Charges: Lists charges for pilotage, water supply, mooring, and other port services. Dispute Mechanism: Provides a process for disputing incorrect charges.

Current Status

Rollout Stage: Active — rates revised periodically Coverage: All Nigerian seaports Beneficiaries: Port users through transparent pricing; NPA through predictable revenue Funding: Port revenue

How to Access

All dues must be paid before vessel departure Advance payment arrangements must be in place for regular callers Disputes on charges filed with NPA Finance Department within 30 days Application method: Dues paid through port agents or directly to NPA.

Important Terms

Vessels detained for non-payment of dues continue to accrue daily charges NPA may place a lien on cargo for unpaid port dues Rate schedules are published and must be made available to all port users

Official Resources

Website: https://www.nigerianports.gov.ng Contact: Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA)

Legal Framework

Enacted under Section 4 of the 1999 Constitution. Operates under the Nigerian Ports Authority Act Cap N126 LFN 2004, the Merchant Shipping Act 2007, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency Act 2007, the Customs and Excise Management Act, and SOLAS (International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea) standards.