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The Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) has directed all shipping lines and their agents to immediately suspend the implementation of the recently approved tariff increases across the nation’s ports.
In a regulatory directive issued on Thursday, the Council said the decision followed ongoing engagements with key stakeholders and mounting concerns over the timing, structure and potential impact of the new charges on port users and the broader logistics value chain.
The NSC stated that the directive was issued in line with its statutory mandate as the economic regulator of the port and shipping sector, stressing that the move was necessary to protect fair competition, transparency and sectoral stability.
According to the Council, all affected operators are required to immediately revert to the tariff regime that was in place before the increase and ensure strict compliance.
The regulator warned that any shipping line or agent that fails to comply with the directive would be considered to be in breach of regulatory requirements and would face appropriate sanctions in line with existing laws and regulations.
The Council further explained that the suspension would remain in force pending the conclusion of ongoing consultations with stakeholders and an internal regulatory review.
It assured port users that a final decision would be communicated after the consultations are completed.
The directive comes amid rising tension between shipping companies and freight forwarders over the new tariffs, which industry players say could increase the cost of cargo clearance and further pressure already strained port operations.
The NSC reiterated its commitment to protecting cargo interests and ensuring an efficient and equitable maritime transport system, while also maintaining effective economic regulation of the sector.
Industry stakeholders are expected to closely monitor the outcome of the consultations as the regulator moves to balance the interests of shipping companies, freight forwarders and port users.
