Section 7: Functions of the Authority

The functions of the Authority shall be to-(a) provide and operate. in the ports. such facilities as appear to it best calculated to serve the interest of Nigeria;
(b) maintain, improve and regulate the use of the ports;
(c) ensure the efficient management of port operations, optimal allocation and use of resources, diversification of sources of revenue and guaranteeing adequate returns on its investments, in order to contribute effectively to the well-being of the Nigerian society;
(d) provide, for the approaches to all ports and the territorial waters of Nigeria, such pilotage services and lights. marks and other navigational services and aids, including cleaning, deepening and improving of all waterways;
(e) provide facilities for-
(i) berthing, towing, mooring. moving or dry-docking of ships, in entering or leaving a port or its approaches;
(ii) the loading and unloading of goods or embarking or disembarking of passengers in or from a ship;
(iii) the lighterage or the sorting, weighing, warehousing and handling of goods; and
(iv) for the carriage of passengers or goods;
(f) manage, supervise and control or take part in the management. supervision or control of any company or undertaking in which the authority is interested, by reason of shareholding or otherwise and for that purpose appoint and renumerate directors, accountants, other experts and agents;
(g) provide and use appliances for the towage or protection, or salvage of life and property or for the prevention of fire within Nigeria and on vessels on the high seas;
(h) supply water to shipping vessels;
(i) control pollution arising from oil or any other substance from ships using the port limits or their approaches;
(j) provide and operate such other services as the Minister may, from time to time, require; and
(k) carry out such other activities which are connected with or incidental to its other functions under this Act.