In a bid to address the rising operational costs in Nigeria’s shipping industry, the executive secretary and chief executive officer of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Dr. Akutah Pius Ukeyima has convened a high-level meeting with key industry stakeholders.
The meeting focused on finding sustainable solutions to the escalating costs that have significantly impacted shipping expenses and prompted operators to call for a comprehensive review of tariffs.
Recall that the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) in a bid to enhance the competitiveness of Nigerian ports and align them with global standards, has secured necessary approvals for an upward tariff review—the first in 32 years since its last adjustment in 1993. The authority explained that the 15% increase, which will apply across all NPA rates and dues except for the exempted items, is intended to provide the financial capacity required to upgrade infrastructure and modernize port operations.
Also recently, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) announced plans to begin the implementation of a 4 per cent charge on the Free On-Board value of imports. According to the spokesman of the service, Abdullahi Maiwada, the directive was in line with the provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act (NCSA) 2023.
However, speaking at the stakeholders’ engagement meeting at the NSC headquarters in Lagos, Dr Akutah described the engagement as a strategic initiative to foster collaboration among industry experts. He emphasized that the council remains committed to strengthening the sector and ensuring that policies implemented positively impact the national economy.
“We recognize the challenges facing the industry, and this engagement is a step towards ensuring economic sustainability while protecting stakeholders’ interests,” he stated.
The Chairman of the Shipping Lines Association, Boma Alabi, SAN, acknowledged the critical role of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council in regulating the industry. She called for swift intervention to address concerns related to new tariffs and charges, stressing that they could affect service delivery.
The meeting brought together representatives from various industry groups, including shipping companies, terminal operators, freight forwarders, consolidators, truckers, shippers’ associations, manufacturers’ associations, and government agencies. Participants exchanged insights on improving service efficiency and ensuring the sector remains competitive in the face of economic challenges.
The engagement reaffirmed the Shippers’ Council’s role as a mediator between industry players and regulators, with a commitment to balancing cost efficiency and service quality in Nigeria’s maritime sector.
