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 the cost of imports and worsen inflationary pressures in the economy.

The association made its position known on Wednesday after a maritime stakeholders meeting, describing the tariff review as flawed and improperly executed. According to the group, shippers and other key players in the maritime value chain were excluded from consultations required under the Nigerian Shippers’ Council Act before the approval was granted.

NSAN said the higher charges would directly increase landing costs for imported goods, place additional pressure on businesses already dealing with high operating expenses, and ultimately transfer higher costs to consumers.

“We trust that the Nigerian Shippers’ Council will act with the fairness envisioned in its enabling Act,” said Alhaji Jamilu M. Goma, Acting National President of the association, while calling for an immediate suspension of the new charges.

The Chairman of the Board of Trustees of NSAN, Alhaji Ali Madugu, was more direct in his criticism, accusing shipping lines of acting unilaterally. He said shipping companies increased tariffs by almost 60 per cent without engaging cargo owners or industry stakeholders.

“We reject the recent tariff increase by service providers in the shipping industry. The shipping lines arbitrarily woke up and increased their tariffs without really consulting with us, the cargo owners,” Madugu said.

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In response, the Nigerian Shippers’ Council said the adjustments were approved strictly within its statutory mandate as the Port Economic Regulator. The Council’s Head of Public Relations, Rebecca Adamu, maintained that tariff reviews are carried out through a transparent, structured, and well-defined regulatory process.

The Council also directed shipping companies, agents, and terminal operators to halt any tariff increases or adjustments that had not followed due process. It warned that enforcement action would be taken against operators found disrupting port operations.

“Notwithstanding, shipping companies, agents, and terminal operators 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 said.

NSAN has insisted that implementation of the new charges should remain suspended until an inclusive stakeholder meeting is held to agree on an acceptable framework for future tariff reviews.

Cynthia Nwanonyiri