Importers abandon Nigerian ports, turn to Togo, Ghana amid rising charges

|Published 11:40 AM ET, Saturday February 15, 2025|

Importers are increasingly diverting their cargo from Nigerian ports to neighboring countries such as Togo, Ghana, and Benin.

This shift is primarily due to escalating port charges and multiple taxation in Nigeria, which have made cargo clearance prohibitively expensive. Recent reports indicate that clearing costs for a 40-foot container have surged from approximately ₦18 million to ₦26 million since late January 2025, while a 20-foot container now costs around ₦20 million to clear.

The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) recently increased all port rates, dues, and tariffs from 7% to 15%, effectively more than doubling previous charges.

Additionally, terminal operators and shipping companies have raised their fees by 15% to 45%, depending on the operator. These cost hikes, coupled with inefficiencies and delays in port operations, have prompted importers to seek more cost-effective and efficient alternatives in neighboring West African ports.

This trend poses significant challenges to Nigeria’s economy, potentially leading to revenue losses, job cuts, and increased economic hardship.

Industry stakeholders are urging the government to address these issues by reducing the cost of doing business at Nigerian ports and improving operational efficiencies to retain and attract importers.