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Why 10% Discount Introduced To Attract Shipping To Calabar Port Failed-Bello-Koko
Fred Omotara, Lagos
The Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Mohammed Bello-Koko has revealed why the 10 percent discount on harbour dues for ships that call at all concessioned terminals in the Eastern Ports failed in Calabar Port.
Recall that in June of 2019, the management of the NPA approved a 10 per cent discount on harbour dues in all concession terminals at the Eastern Ports in-order to attract more vessel call at the ports. This was intended to increase patronage at the Eastern Ports.
Speaking on Arise TV live interview monitored by kadecommunicationng in Lagos, the NPA MD explained that the discount didn’t trickle down to the cargo owners, hence the idea failed to attract the desired vessel call at the Calabar ports.
According to the NPA Managing Director, “NPA has received draft designs from BUA for Port-Harcourt Port rehabilitation and that final approval is expected out this month. We commend BUA for being proactive in mobilising equipment to site ahead of approval.
“For the breakwater of Delta Ports which had collapsed over a decade ago, the project requires $250m with minor defects in Apapa Port also about getting attention.
“On Calabar Port which has one of the longest channels, the NPA management had initially applied 10cpercent tariff reduction as an incentive to encourage patronage by shipping companies, but that incentive did not trickle down to the benefit of importers.
“Moving forward, any other incentive that will be applied would consider importers interest, not only shipping companies.”