NSC insists on stakeholder engagement before tariff review as providers reject MSC hike

By Joy Enamuna

The Nigerian Shippers’ Council has warned shipping companies operating at the nation’s seaports against implementing tariff increases without prior engagement with relevant stakeholders, stressing that any action capable of disrupting port operations would not be tolerated.

The Council made its position known on Wednesday during a stakeholders’ meeting on the review of shipping charges, held at its headquarters in Lagos.

The meeting brought together shipping companies, service providers, clearing agents, importers and freight forwarders amid growing concerns over proposed tariff increments by Mediterranean Shipping Company.

In her opening remarks, the Executive Secretary of the NSC, Dr Pius Akutah, represented by the Director of Consumer Affairs, Mrs Ify Okolue, described stakeholder engagement as critical to maintaining order in the port system and aligning Nigeria’s ports with global best practices.

She said the Council’s mandate is centred on promoting fairness, efficiency and balance within the port environment, while also safeguarding the interests of port users and the national economy.

“Our role is not only to ensure that service providers operate within an economically justifiable framework, but also to protect port users from arbitrary, unjustified or anti-competitive charges,” Okolue said, adding that the Council is guided by due process, transparency and stakeholder consultation.

She reiterated that regulation within the maritime sector is most effective when it is inclusive, noting that the engagement provided an opportunity for the Council to listen to stakeholders’ concerns, clarify regulatory decisions and jointly explore sustainable solutions.

While acknowledging prevailing economic challenges such as foreign exchange volatility and inflationary pressures, Okolue stressed the need to balance cost recovery by service providers with the protection of port users and national trade objectives.

She described the meeting as a collaborative effort aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s port system, emphasising that the Council remains open to dialogue and committed to regulatory integrity and the long-term sustainability of the maritime industry.

Representatives of key industry groups, including the National Association of Shippers, Lagos State Shippers, Importers Association of Nigeria, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, NACCIMA, ANLCA, NAGAFF, NCMDLCA and APFFLON, were present at the meeting.

The stakeholders unanimously rejected the proposed tariff increment by Mediterranean Shipping Company, calling on the Shippers’ Council to ensure strict regulatory oversight in the interest of port users and the broader economy.