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The Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) has made stakeholder consensus a prerequisite for implementing the proposed tariff adjustment, reaffirming that the 30 percent cap will only take effect after industry-wide consultations are concluded.
At a stakeholders’ forum in Lagos on Tuesday, the Executive Secretary, Dr. Akutah Pius, said the Council’s decision to halt the rollout in March 2026 was designed to create room for structured engagement with shipping lines, freight forwarders, importers, and exporters.
He maintained that no operator would proceed with implementation without first aligning with key industry players, stressing that the Council is prioritizing a coordinated and gradual approach to avoid market disruption.
Akutah clarified that the approved 30 percent increase is a ceiling rather than a fixed rate, allowing shipping companies to adopt lower increments—such as 10 or 20 percent—based on the outcome of consultations.
“The engagement has been productive. The 30 percent is the upper limit, and implementation will be phased to ensure stability,” he said.
He disclosed that shipping companies had initially proposed tariff hikes of between 150 and 200 percent, but the Council settled for 30 percent after weighing economic realities and the need to protect port users from excessive cost burdens.
According to him, the adjustment is aimed at sustaining operations within the maritime sector, not driving excessive profits, noting that some operators have already begun consultations and partial implementation.
Stakeholders at the forum broadly supported the need for a tariff review but faulted the lack of prior engagement.
President of the National Shippers’ Association of Nigeria, Dr. Jamilu Umar, emphasized that due process must be followed.
“We are not opposed to the increase, but proper consultation is critical. All stakeholders must be carried along,” he said.
The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria also called for mandatory consultations before implementation, warning that abrupt adjustments could disrupt production and supply chains.
On her part, President of the Shipping Association of Nigeria, Boma Alabi, attributed the push for higher tariffs to rising operational costs, including wage pressures within the sector.
“The approved 30 percent is below what operators consider commercially viable. We proposed over 100 percent, but this reflects a compromise based on current realities,” she said.
Alabi urged sustained collaboration among regulators and operators to build a more competitive and efficient maritime industry.
Other stakeholders present included the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents, National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders, Association of Registered Freight Forwarders of Nigeria, National Council of Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents, Africa Association of Professional Freight Forwarders and Logistics, and the West Africa Exporters Association, among others.
