The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Pius Akutah, has called on foreign shipping companies and clearing agents to engage in constructive dialogue to resolve the ongoing dispute over increased charges and tariffs at Nigeria’s seaports.
Akutah made the appeal while speaking on the sidelines of the Council’s management retreat in Abeokuta.
The NSC boss stressed that both shipping companies and freight forwarders must be willing to compromise in order to reach a mutually beneficial resolution that would prevent disruptions to port operations.
According to him, discussions between the two parties should be guided by a spirit of compromise and mutual understanding.
“I think that they need to work together more harmoniously to resolve these issues. As a regulator, we have given the approval. It is left for the shipping companies and the freight forwarders to come to a harmonious stand where they can implement this,” he said.
Akutah noted that the Council had previously declined requests by shipping companies to increase charges for about two years, explaining that the current approval was not necessarily aimed at boosting profit margins but to address operational realities.
He emphasised that sustained engagement among stakeholders remains critical to maintaining stability in the maritime sector and ensuring that operational challenges do not affect port activities.
“So there must be a reason for people to move and shift ground; it should be a give-and-take relationship. Whenever there is a standstill and nobody is moving, then there is a problem,” he said.
The NSC chief reiterated that while the Council had given regulatory approval for the adjustments, it is the responsibility of the shipping companies and freight forwarders to agree on workable implementation terms.
He warned that if the dispute persists, the Council may escalate the matter to higher authorities.
“We cannot sit and watch this without taking steps. It may get to a point where we escalate the issue to the level of the minister if they fail to resolve it,” he stated.
Akutah disclosed that the Council had previously attempted to mediate between both sides but urged them to return to the negotiating table and reach a final resolution.
“It is for stakeholders in this sector to understand that ours is a relationship that must continue to work so that we can move forward together.
“If there is no adjustment and the cost of operations makes it impossible for them to function, then the maritime sector itself could be affected,” he added.
He maintained that cooperation among industry players remains essential to sustaining efficiency and growth in Nigeria’s port and maritime sector.
