Shippers reject new port fees, warn of soaring costs

The National Shippers Association of Nigeria has rejected the recent increase in port service charges approved by the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, warning that the move could raise trade costs and undermine the Federal Government’s Ease-of-Doing-Business agenda.

In a position paper submitted to the NSC, the association said the approval process was flawed, alleging that shippers were excluded from consultations required under the Nigerian Shippers’ Council Act. NSAN, which represents cargo owners nationwide, described the development as a breach of regulatory trust.

“This is not just a procedural oversight; it is a regulatory failure,” the association said, arguing that the Council appeared to prioritise terminal operators’ profitability over the interests of shippers and the wider economy.

NSAN cautioned that the higher charges could increase landing costs for imports, worsen inflationary pressures, and create uncertainty for businesses already grappling with high operating costs.

The group also questioned the value proposition of the increase, noting that port efficiency has not improved sufficiently to justify higher tariffs. The association called on the NSC to immediately suspend implementation of the new charges and convene an inclusive stakeholder meeting within 14 days to agree on a transparent framework for future tariff reviews.

“We trust that the Nigerian Shippers’ Council will act with the integrity and fairness envisioned in its enabling act,” the Acting National President of NSAN, Alhaji Jamilu Goma, said.

NSAN said copies of the objection were also sent to the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola; the National Assembly; and key private sector bodies, including the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture, and the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association.