Freight forwarders and importers have rejected proposals by shipping companies to increase port-related charges, insisting that the planned upward review lacks justification and must remain on hold until wider consultations are held with affected stakeholders.
The opposition was made clear at a tariff review meeting convened by the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) in Lagos on Wednesday, where the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) said its members were unanimous in rejecting the proposed increments, particularly those being considered by some shipping lines, including Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC).
ANLCA President, Chief Emenike Nwokeoji, who was represented at the meeting by the Association’s National Public Relations Officer, Mr. Emmanuel Onyeme, said freight forwarders maintained that the proposed charges were neither transparent nor supported by prevailing economic realities. He stressed that shipping companies must suspend all increments and return to consultations with the trading public.
According to Onyeme, stakeholders agreed that it was inappropriate for shipping lines to engage only the regulator without first consulting importers and freight forwarders who bear the direct cost of such charges. He added that several long-standing operational concerns affecting port users were also raised during the meeting, underscoring the need for broader and more inclusive engagement.
Importers, under the umbrella of the Importers Association of Nigeria (IMAN), also opposed the proposed tariff review. The Association’s National Vice President, Chief Ndubuisi George, called for restraint and proposed a six-month grace period to allow the clearance of backlog consignments already ordered before any new charges are introduced.
George further urged the adoption of a transparent and inclusive tariff review framework, with IMAN taking a leading role as the representative of cargo owners. He argued that any review process must be benchmarked against international best practices and warned that decisions taken without the input of importers would not be acceptable. While apologising to the importing public for losses arising from protests against the proposed increments, he commended the NSC for withdrawing earlier approvals pending wider consultations, describing the move as a step towards restoring confidence.
At the meeting, the Nigerian Shippers’ Council restated its directive to shipping companies to suspend any tariff increase and deepen engagement with stakeholders. The Executive Secretary of the Council, Dr. Pius Akutah MON, represented by the Director of Consumer Affairs, Mrs. Ify Okolue, said stakeholder consultation remains central to achieving fairness, order and sustainability in port operations.
Akutah reaffirmed that the Council’s mandate is to protect port users from arbitrary, unjustified and anti-competitive charges, while promoting efficiency and balance within the port system. He assured stakeholders of the Council’s commitment to dialogue, transparency and due process.
In his remarks at the close of the meeting, ANLCA Western Zone Coordinator, Alhaji Femi Anifowose, praised freight forwarders, importers and other port users for presenting a united position, insisting that no increase in shipping charges would be accepted.
Echoing this stance, ANLCA Tin Can Island Chapter Chairman, Prince Olawale Cole, criticised what he described as exploitative practices by some shipping lines, particularly MSC. He cited charges for non-working holidays and weekends, early imposition of detention before vessel berthing, demands for container deposits despite existing regulations, and the absence of holding bays, which he said forces trucks to be used as makeshift holding areas to the detriment of freight agents.
The meeting brought together representatives of IMAN, the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), ANLCA, NAGAFF, NCMDLCA, APFFLON and other key stakeholders in the maritime sector.
