The Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) says the implementation of new shipping charges must come after wider consultations with relevant stakeholders
By Patrick Ogboru
The Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) has insisted that no new shipping tariff would be implemented without extensive stakeholders’ engagement. The Council has also moved to balance industry sustainability with economic stability.
At a one-day stakeholders’ forum which the NSC convened in Lagos, it brought together shipping companies, freight forwarders, importers, and exporters to deliberate on the proposed tariff increment across the maritime value chain.
Speaking at the forum, Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer (ES/CEO) of the NSC, Pius Akutah, said the earlier suspension of the tariff increase in March 2026 was a strategic decision to allow for broader consultations.
He stressed that implementation would only commence after shipping companies conclude engagements with key stakeholders, including importers, shippers, and clearing agents.
The NSC boss assured stakeholders that the approved 30 per cent tariff increase would not destabilise the economy, describing it as a ceiling rather than a fixed rate.
He said, “The 30 per cent increase is the upper limit; shipping companies may implement 10 or 20 per cent depending on the outcome of their consultations. It will be gradual.”
According to him, the Council had moderated initial proposals by shipping companies, which ranged between 150 and 200 per cent, to arrive at a more balanced figure.
“Shipping companies argued that 30 per cent is too low given inflation and rising operational costs, but we determined it was sufficient to avoid overburdening the economy,” he added.
He noted that the adjustment was designed not for excessive profit-making but to ensure operational sustainability within the sector without placing undue pressure on businesses and consumers.
The NSC boss also disclosed that earlier tensions surrounding the tariff proposal were partly linked to the actions of a particular operator, adding that ongoing consultations had helped to ease concerns.
Stakeholders at the meeting broadly supported the need for tariff adjustments but criticised the initial lack of consultation.
President of the National Shippers’ Association of Nigeria (NSAN), Jamilu Umar, said while stakeholders were not opposed to the increment, due process must be followed.
“We are not against the increase, but proper consultation is critical. All stakeholders must be carried along,” he said.
Similarly, the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) urged that shipping companies be mandated to engage stakeholders before implementing any tariff adjustments
On the part of operators, President of the Shipping Association of Nigeria (SAN), Boma Alabi, attributed the proposed increase to prevailing economic realities, including rising operational costs.
“The 30 per cent approved is not entirely commercial. We initially proposed over 100 per cent, but this reflects current realities,” she said, noting that operators are grappling with increased wage obligations and other cost pressures.
Alabi, however, called for sustained collaboration among industry players to build a more competitive and value-driven maritime sector.
Other stakeholders at the meeting included the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), Association of Registered Freight Forwarders of Nigeria (AREFFN), National Council of Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents (NCMDLCA), and the West Africa Exporters Association, among others.
