The Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) on Tuesday convened a meeting with shipping companies, freight forwarders, importers, and exporters, emphasizing the need for broad stakeholder engagement before implementing the proposed tariff increase.
Speaking at a one-day stakeholders’ forum, the Executive Secretary of the Council, Akutah Pius, said the earlier suspension of the tariff hike in March 2026 was a strategic decision to allow for wider consultations across the maritime value chain.
He noted that the new tariff regime would only take effect after shipping companies conclude engagements with importers, shippers, clearing agents, and other key stakeholders.
Akutah assured participants that the approved 30 percent tariff increase would not destabilize the economy, explaining that it represents a ceiling rather than a fixed rate.
“Today’s engagement was productive. The suspension of the tariff implementation last month created room for us to interact with stakeholders and address key concerns. The 30 percent increase is the upper limit; shipping companies may implement 10 or 20 percent depending on the outcome of their consultations. It will be gradual,” he said.
He stressed that the adjustment would not come as a shock, noting that some shipping companies had already begun consultations and partial implementation. He also disclosed that earlier tensions surrounding the tariff were partly linked to the actions of a particular operator.
According to him, while shipping companies initially proposed increases ranging between 150 and 200 percent, the Council settled for 30 percent to strike a balance between industry sustainability and economic stability.
“Shipping companies argued that 30 percent is too low given inflation and rising operational costs, but we determined it was sufficient to avoid overburdening the economy,” he added.
Akutah further explained that the Council considered prevailing economic conditions, including recent wage adjustments in the sector, before approving the increment. He reiterated that tariff reviews are not intended for excessive profit-making but to ensure sustainability without placing undue pressure on the wider economy.
Stakeholders at the meeting underscored the importance of proper consultation before implementing any tariff adjustments. While acknowledging the necessity of an increase due to current economic realities, they criticized the lack of prior engagement.
President of the National Shippers’ Association of Nigeria, Jamilu Umar, said stakeholders were not opposed to the increase itself but to the process.
“We are not against the increase, but due process must be followed. There must be proper consultation, and all stakeholders must be carried along,” he said.
The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria echoed similar concerns, urging that shipping companies be mandated to engage stakeholders before implementing any adjustments.
Also speaking, President of the Shipping Association of Nigeria, Boma Alabi, attributed the tariff hike to prevailing economic challenges, noting that the approved 30 percent increase fell short of industry expectations.
“The 30 percent approved is not entirely commercial. We initially proposed over 100 percent, but this reflects current realities. Shipping companies are also contending with rising costs, including a minimum wage of N200,000 in the subsector,” she said.
Alabi called for sustained collaboration among stakeholders to build a more competitive and value-driven maritime industry.
Other stakeholders present at the meeting 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.
