Tariff Hike: Lawmakers, Shippers’ Council seek truce, engage stakeholders
Tariff Hike: Lawmakers, Shippers' Council seek truce, engage stakeholders
The House Committee on Shipping Services and the port economic regulator, the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) on Monday, engaged key industry stakeholders to address growing concerns over tariff demands by service providers and broader operational challenges within the maritime sector.
Recall that the tariff hike has sparked protests and caused disruptions at some seaports, with operators divided over the new charges.
In his opening remarks, Chairman of the House Committee on Shipping Services, Hon. Abdussamad Dasuki, noted that the meeting built on earlier discussions with the Shipping Lines Association of Nigeria, which had sought the Committee’s intervention on critical industry issues. He described the engagement as a strategic platform aimed at balancing the interests of port users and service providers while fostering sustainable sector growth.
Speaking at the session, the Executive Secretary/CEO of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Dr. Akutah Pius, MON, reaffirmed the Council’s approval of a 30 percent tariff increase for shipping lines following extensive stakeholder consultations. He explained that although the increase had previously been suspended, it remains the maximum allowable adjustment and will be implemented gradually, subject to further engagement between shipping companies and their customers
Dr. Akutah emphasized that the review became necessary after more than two years without any tariff adjustments, despite rising operational costs across the industry. While acknowledging concerns from some stakeholders that the 30 percent cap falls below current inflation levels, he maintained that the decision reflects a careful balance between industry sustainability and the broader economic interest.
He further disclosed that the Council is developing an automated tariff system designed to align future pricing adjustments with prevailing economic indicators such as inflation and exchange rate fluctuations. According to him, the initiative will promote greater transparency, predictability, and flexibility in the maritime pricing framework.
Lastminute.com Advert
Also speaking, Chairman of the Shipping Association of Nigeria(SAN), Boma Alabi, OON, commended the National Assembly Committee on Shipping Services for its proactive engagement and responsiveness following earlier deliberations at the National Assembly.
Alabi who was represented by SAN Executive Secretary, Jacinta Okoro, also accused the NSC of sending mixed signals by approving varying tariff increases for different operators, a development it said had undermined confidence in the regulatory process.
She highlighted key operational challenges affecting the sector, noting that these issues continue to impact vessel turnaround time and overall port efficiency. She called for enhanced port security, stronger inter-agency collaboration, and a clearly defined responsibility framework to prevent undue liabilities on shipping companies.
Alabi reiterated the Association’s commitment to supporting policies and operational practices that will improve efficiency, reduce costs, and strengthen Nigeria’s competitiveness as a leading maritime nation.
The meeting drew participation from a broad spectrum of industry stakeholders, including the Shippers Association, the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), Shipping Companies, Africa Association of Professional Freight Forwarders, Logistics (APFFLON) and other key players across the maritime value chain, underscoring the collective commitment to resolving the issues at hand.
At the close of the session, the House Committee on Shipping Services urged the Nigerian Shippers’ Council to convene a follow-up meeting within one week, bringing together all critical stakeholders with clearly defined timelines. The Committee also called on shipping companies to intensify consultations with stakeholders to fast-track consensus and ensure the smooth implementa
tion of agreed resolutions.
