Manny Ita –
The Nigerian Shippers’ Council has directed an immediate reversal of recently introduced shipping tariff increases, in a move aimed at protecting Nigerian businesses from escalating operational costs and preserving stability within the maritime sector.
In a statement issued over the weekend, the Council said the decision followed a surge of complaints from importers, exporters, and other industry stakeholders who warned that the new charges would significantly raise the cost of doing business and disrupt supply chains. The regulator emphasized that the tariff hike was not properly aligned with existing guidelines and lacked sufficient consultation with relevant parties.
“The Council has observed with concern the unilateral implementation of increased shipping tariffs by some service providers,” the statement read, adding that “such actions are inconsistent with established regulatory procedures and impose undue burden on port users.” It further directed all affected operators to immediately revert to the previously approved tariff structure pending a comprehensive review.
The Council noted that the maritime sector remains a critical component of Nigeria’s economy and must be carefully managed to avoid unintended consequences on trade and commerce. “Our priority is to ensure fairness, transparency, and efficiency in port operations while safeguarding the interests of all stakeholders,” it stated.
Industry players had earlier expressed alarm over the sudden adjustment, warning that higher shipping costs could translate into increased prices for goods in the domestic market, thereby worsening inflationary pressures. Some operators also cautioned that the development could erode Nigeria’s competitiveness as a preferred destination for trade within the West African sub-region.
Reacting to the directive, several business groups welcomed the intervention, describing it as timely and necessary. One stakeholder noted that “the reversal will provide immediate relief to businesses already grappling with multiple cost pressures, including foreign exchange volatility and high logistics expenses.”
The Nigerian Shippers’ Council reiterated its commitment to engaging with shipping companies, terminal operators, and other stakeholders to arrive at a balanced and sustainable tariff framework. It also warned that any operator found to be in violation of its directive would face regulatory sanctions.
As the situation unfolds, the Council assured that it would continue to monitor developments closely to ensure compliance and maintain stability across Nigeria’s port system, stressing that “no tariff adjustment will be allowed without due process and proper stakeholder engagement.”
