EXCLUSIVE : NPA Slams Barge Operators With Multiple Levies Payable In Foreign Currency

By Roland Ekama

 

 

Even as stakeholders have continued to decry the lull in business through cargo movement via the waterways , the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), has imposed  fresh levies and dues for barge operators as part of measures to boost her revenue profile.

 

The imposition of levies and dues payment by barge operators to the NPA is expected to commence in April 2022, even as the stakeholders are to pay in US dollars.

 

NPA said import and export  of containers , vehicles, dry, wet ,bulk and general cargoes laden on barges operating within the pilotage will attract additional levies and dues .

 

It was also gathered that barge operators previously pay dues and levies to National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Federal Inland Revenue (FIRS) ,and Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) .

 

But with the NPA’s new policy on barge operators , indications have emerged that some of the operators would be forced out of business.

 

According to a document made available to DAILY FOCUS NIGERIA exclusively on Saturday, the port authority described  the rates as cargo and harbour dues, thus applicable for coastal movement.

 

NPA insisted that estate rent charges will be collected at terminals owned by it adding that users of the facilities will be given a Temporary Operating License (TOL) that will entails payment of annual rent.

 

NPA also insisted that it will be entitled to royalty on cargo delivery operations within the terminals.

 

Parts of the documents read this “Note: In line with the Nigerian Ports Authority dues and rents regulations of 2021,these charges and rates will be paid in using the applicable official exchange rates at the period of operations”

 

A breakdown of the rates on consignments include- a 40″ container will attract $28 per unit for empty while dry cargo will attract $2.57 per ton.

 

Vehicles will attract between 45, 46 and 61 US dollars depending on the sizes. Liquid and dry bulk will attract $1.46 per ton; general cargo has $2. per ton.