The Africa Association of Professional Freight Forwarders and Logistics of Nigeria (APFFLON) has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to order an immediate downward review of the 7% surcharge on cargo clearance at Nigerian ports, describing the levy as an unsustainable burden on trade stakeholders amid the nation’s deepening economic crisis.
In a letter addressed to the President and signed by APFFLON’s National President, Frank Ogunojemite, the group noted that the country’s economic environment is currently strained by high inflation, volatile exchange rates, and a rapidly depreciating Naira, all of which have significantly worsened the cost of doing business at the ports.
According to the association, the surcharge—originally introduced to support port development—has lost its justification in the present context, particularly as most port terminals have been concessioned to private operators who now oversee infrastructure and daily operations. APFFLON stressed that port users derive no tangible service improvement or direct benefit from the levy, which they said only serves to inflate import costs, disrupt supply chains, and force many legitimate businesses into distress.
“The cost of clearing cargo is at an all-time high,” Ogunojemite stated. “Freight forwarders, importers, and manufacturers are facing unprecedented operational pressure. Retaining this surcharge under the current economic conditions risks stifling productivity, discouraging formal trade, and fueling inflation.”
While acknowledging the Federal Government’s drive for revenue generation and infrastructure upgrades, the association cautioned that overburdening trade stakeholders at such a fragile economic moment could have long-term adverse effects on the economy. APFFLON also called for an audit and clarification of how funds from the surcharge are utilized, urging greater transparency and accountability in port revenue management. The group further emphasized the need for broader stakeholder consultation with associations such as APFFLON, the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), and the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) to develop a fair and inclusive port revenue framework, alongside the implementation of a harmonized and transparent port pricing system to remove overlapping levies and reduce clearance bottlenecks.
Ogunojemite argued that reducing the surcharge would send a strong signal of the Tinubu administration’s commitment to inclusive economic recovery, ease of doing business, and constructive engagement with industry players. “As professionals dedicated to the growth and integrity of Nigeria’s Marine and Blue Economy sector, we stand ready to support all reform efforts that prioritize national interest and economic revival,” he said.
The 7% cargo clearance surcharge has been a subject of growing controversy among maritime stakeholders, with many questioning its relevance under the current port concession regime. The Tinubu administration is yet to respond to the latest call for its review.
