Executive Secretary of Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Barr. Pius Akutah
The Federal Government through the country’s Port Economic Regulator, the Nigerian Shippers’ Council NSC, has directed all shipping companies, shipping agents, and terminal operators operating within Nigeria’s seaports to suspend and refrain from implementing any review or upward adjustment of their charges until they have fully engaged their stakeholders.
Recall that Licensed Customs Agents operating in the nation’s maritime sector had penultimate Monday, threatened to picket some shipping companies and shipping agents over their planned increase in shipping charges, which prompted the intervention of the Council, which was last week petitioned by the protesting Customs Agents.
According to a statement by the Head, Public Relations of the Council, Rebecca Adamu, the shipping companies and terminal operators have been directed to commence consultation with their relevant stakeholders with a view to reaching an amicable solution.
The statement reads in part: “The Council wishes to clarify that the recent adjustment was approved strictly in accordance with its statutory mandate as the Port Economic Regulator. The Council affirms that all tariff reviews were conducted in a transparent, structured, and well-defined regulatory process. These processes included detailed technical and consultative engagement with affected service providers, aimed at examining the cost drivers, operational realities, investment obligations, and regulatory compliance.
“The engagements did not constitute automatic approvals; rather, they informed a broader evaluative process. Final determinations were reached only after rigorous internal, technical, and financial assessments guided by empirical evidence, regulatory benchmarks, and prevailing economic conditions.
“Notwithstanding, Shipping companies/agents are hereby directed to suspend any intended review of charges until they have duly consulted and engaged their stakeholders. As the Port Economic Regulator, the Nigerian Shippers’ Council will wield the big stick against any port service providers disrupting port operations.
“The Council emphasises that transparency, fairness, and stakeholder participation are fundamental principles underpinning port economic regulation in Nigeria.
The Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer of the Council, Dr. Pius Akutah (MON), further warns that the Council is empowered under its regulatory mandate to apply appropriate sanctions against defaulting operators, including enforcement measures provided for under relevant regulatory frameworks.
“He encourages constructive engagement, dialogue, and compliance. However, any service provider that proceeds with charge reviews without stakeholders’ engagement should be prepared to face decisive regulatory action.”
The NSC –boss however assured that the Nigerian Shippers’ Council remains committed to protecting the interests of port users, promoting fair competition, and ensuring a balanced and predictable business environment within the Nigerian maritime industry.
It would be recalled that a recent revised tariff structure released by Mediterranean Shipping Company MCS indicate an upward review in its import documentation fees for 20-foot containers, which rose from N45,000 to N58,500, while those for 40-foot containers increased from N72,000 to N93,600.
Also, port additional charges for 20-foot containers moved from N50,000 to N80,000, while 40-foot containers rose from N100,000 to N160,000. The upward reviews took effect January 1, 2026.
