Nigeria’s port economic regulator, the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), has defended the recent tariff adjustment by APM Terminals’ West Africa Container Terminal (WACT), affirming that the increase is legitimate and falls within industry benchmarks.
The Council also dismissed allegations of non-participation by the Africa Association of Professional Freight Forwarders and Logistics of Nigeria (APFFLON) in the consultation process.
The new tariff structure takes effect today, April 1, 2025.
In an official statement released on Monday, the NSC clarified that the increase in terminal handling and storage charges by WACT had been duly reviewed and approved in two phases—first in 2021 and then in 2023.
The Council dismissed opposition to the tariff adjustment from some disgruntled persons, describing their concerns as misleading.
“As the economic regulator of the port sector, the Council finds it necessary to set the record straight and provide clarifications to avoid misinformation. The Council’s approval aligns with industry standards, and the tariff increment implemented by WACT was rigorously assessed to ensure fairness and sustainability for both service providers and port users,” the statement read.
The NSC refuted claims that WACT failed to consult its service users, particularly registered clearing agents, before implementing the increase.
According to the Council, WACT engaged extensively with key industry associations, including the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), the Association of Registered Freight Forwarders of Nigeria (AREFFN), and the National Council of Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents (NCMDLCA).
“These discussions resulted in a mutual agreement that the implementation would be phased to mitigate the impact on port users. In accordance with this agreement, the first phase of the tariff increase was introduced and accepted by service users. The final phase was scheduled following a one-month and two-week notice period, ensuring transparency and adequate preparation,” the NSC stated.
It stated that APFFLON’s exclusion was due to its own failure to comply with regulatory requirements.
“According to WACT, APFFLON has, for two years, failed to obtain an introductory letter from the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN), which is a prerequisite for recognition as an agent. Their inability to participate in the stakeholder engagement process was due to their own non-compliance rather than any act of exclusion by WACT,” the NSC clarified.
Reiterating its commitment to fair and competitive practices within Nigeria’s port sector, the NSC urged stakeholders to engage constructively within the established regulatory framework.
“The Nigerian Shippers’ Council remains dedicated to ensuring a balance between the interests of terminal operators and port users. We encourage all stakeholders to adhere to regulatory guidelines and collaborate towards enhancing efficiency in port operations,” the statement concluded.
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