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The Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) has rejected claims of inconsistency in its recent tariff adjustments and regulatory actions, asserting that its decisions are anchored on legal mandates, economic realities, and structured stakeholder engagement—not external pressure.
Executive Secretary, Barr. Akutah Pius Ukeyima, said the Council acted within its statutory authority under the Port Economic Regulations 2025, noting that tariff reviews had been deferred for over two years despite mounting operational costs and repeated requests from service providers for steep increases.
According to him, proposals from operators ranged between 150 and 300 percent, but the NSC intervened to moderate the outcome to prevent inflationary shocks across the economy. He emphasized that tariff setting in the maritime sector is not profit-driven but must align with broader economic indicators, including inflation trends, GDP performance, and trade sustainability.
Ukeyima stressed that with over 80 percent of Nigeria’s trade reliant on maritime transport, any excessive increase would have immediate consequences for import costs and overall economic stability. To balance interests, the Council approved a flexible adjustment framework of about 35 percent, allowing operators to implement increases within a controlled range, typically between 10 and 20 percent.
He dismissed allegations of regulatory weakness, describing recent tensions as isolated—particularly a dispute involving Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC)—rather than evidence of systemic failure. He noted that most operators concluded stakeholder consultations without friction, adding that the MSC issue stemmed from a breakdown in negotiations, not regulatory lapses.
On the delayed rollout of the International Cargo Tracking Note (ICTN), the NSC boss cited ongoing legal disputes and legacy complications as key obstacles. He confirmed that the Council is working with the Ministry of Justice to resolve pending cases before implementation, to ensure the system is not derailed again.
While reaffirming ICTN’s importance for cargo visibility, security, and revenue protection, Ukeyima maintained that legal clarity must precede execution. He also cautioned against undue influence on regulators, warning that “regulatory capture” could distort market balance and weaken oversight.
The NSC, he concluded, remains focused on maintaining equilibrium across the maritime value chain to safeguard national trade interests.
