The Africa Association of Professional Freight Forwarders and Logistics of Nigeria (APFFLON) has called for more robust and continuous stakeholder engagement in the review and approval of shipping and terminal charges, warning that frequent tariff hikes without broad consultations could further strain operations within the nation’s maritime sector.
The association made the call amid growing concerns over recent increases in charges by shipping companies and terminal operators, which it said have heightened the cost of doing business at the ports and affected trade efficiency.
APFFLON stressed that while it is not opposed to adjustments in tariffs, such decisions must be transparent, consultative, data-driven, and aligned with prevailing economic realities.
In a letter addressed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, APFFLON drew the Federal Government’s attention to what it described as increasing apprehension among maritime and logistics stakeholders over the regular approval of higher port charges.
The association noted that such approvals, if not carefully managed, could have wider implications for national trade competitiveness, inflationary pressures, and overall economic performance.
According to the letter, the current trend runs counter to the Federal Government’s stated objective of reducing port costs, improving ease of doing business, and positioning Nigerian ports as competitive hubs within the sub-region. APFFLON urged the government to intervene by ensuring that regulatory decisions within the port system are taken with sufficient stakeholder input and clear justification.
As part of its recommendations, the association appealed to the Federal Government to review and halt what it termed indiscriminate approvals of shipping and terminal charges, direct a comprehensive audit of recently approved port tariffs and their economic impact, strengthen the regulatory capacity and independence of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) in line with its statutory mandate, and reaffirm government commitment to reducing port costs and restoring stakeholder confidence in the maritime sector.
APFFLON President, Otunba Frank Ogunojemite, while also addressing journalists in Lagos on Tuesday reiterated that the association’s position is not against increases per se, but against processes that do not adequately consider the cost of doing business and the country’s economic conditions. He emphasized that constant engagement between regulators, service providers, and port users remains critical to achieving sustainable growth in the sector.
He also raised concerns over issues such as container-related charges, noting that despite the existence of container insurance policies, some deposits and fees still persist, a situation he said requires regulatory review to ensure fairness and clarity.
The APFFLON leadership disclosed that the concerns expressed at the briefing were also conveyed to the Presidency in its letter, with the association expressing optimism that timely government intervention would help safeguard the economy, support local industries, and enhance the competitiveness of Nigerian ports.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Shippers’ Council has directed shipping companies, shipping agents, and terminal operators to suspend the implementation of any upward review of charges pending full engagement with stakeholders. In a statement issued by the Council’s Head of Public Relations, Rebecca Adamu, the NSC explained that recent tariff adjustments were approved in line with its statutory role as port economic regulator and followed established regulatory processes, including technical and consultative engagements to examine cost drivers and operational realities.
The Council’s directive for further stakeholder engagement comes as industry players continue to press for clearer justification for tariff reviews and more inclusive decision-making processes. Stakeholders maintain that effective collaboration among regulators, operators, and port users remains key to addressing cost-related challenges and unlocking the full potential of Nigeria’s maritime sector.
