The Executive Secretary/CEO of Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Dr. Pius Akutah, has ordered shipping lines operating in Nigeria to immediately suspend the implementation of their new tariffs, citing mounting concerns from industry stakeholders and the potential impact on port users and the wider logistics chain.
In a directive issued by his office on Friday, the NSC — acting in its statutory capacity as economic regulator of the nation’s port and shipping sector — stated that the decision follows ongoing engagements with key stakeholders across the maritime industry.
According to the regulator, the move responds to substantive concerns regarding the timing, structure and likely consequences of the new tariffs for cargo owners, freight forwarders and other port users.
The Council emphasised that halting the tariff implementation is necessary to preserve fair competition, transparency and stability within the sector while a more thorough review is undertaken. It noted that the pause would allow regulators and industry players to fully assess the implications of the proposed increases before any further steps are taken.
Under the directive, all shipping lines and their local agents are required to revert immediately to the tariff regime that was in force prior to the proposed increase. The Council warned that any operator found implementing the suspended tariffs would be deemed to have breached regulatory compliance and would face sanctions in accordance with existing maritime laws and regulations.
The regulatory intervention underscores the Council’s role in moderating commercial practices within Nigeria’s port ecosystem, particularly where pricing decisions risk disrupting trade flows or imposing additional burdens on cargo interests.
The Nigerian Shippers’ Council said it will communicate a final position once stakeholder consultations and internal regulatory review processes are concluded. Until then, it expects full and immediate compliance from all shipping operators.
Reaffirming its regulatory mandate, the Council stated that it remains committed to protecting cargo interests, ensuring effective economic oversight and promoting a more efficient and equitable maritime transport system in Nigeria.