The Head of the Sea Empowerment and Research Center (SEREC), Fwdr. Eugene Nweke, has called for urgent reforms in Nigeria’s port charges, citing multiple levies and fees that burden shippers and negatively impact the economy.
Reacting to claims that the International Cargo Tracking Note (ICTN) is “killing the economy,” Nweke argued that the real threats to economic growth are the numerous unregulated charges imposed on cargo exiting the ports. He highlighted excessive levies such as the 7% port development charge, terminal handling fees, and the ₦100,000 ETO booking fee per truck movement in and out of terminals.
He further pointed to unregulated trucking fees, unreceipted payments demanded during cargo clearance, and tolls collected by security agencies along delivery corridors. The presence of unauthorized state actors, whom he described as “glorified touts,” has also contributed to the exploitation and extortion of port users.
According to Nweke, additional burdens include the 7.5% Value Added Tax (VAT) on all bills, the Vehicle Registration (VREG) fee imposed on imported vehicles, and high certification and processing fees levied by regulatory agencies. He noted that the unstable foreign exchange rate exacerbates the situation, increasing the cost of imports.
The impact of multiple security checkpoints across Nigerian roads, where officials often demand unofficial payments, further complicates the movement of goods. He also criticized the lack of transparency in freight forwarding charges and shipping company fees, which add to the financial strain on shippers.
Recently, the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) implemented a 15% tariff hike, prompting concerns that terminal operators and shipping lines might follow suit. Additionally, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) introduced a 4% Freight Stabilization Charge, adding to existing levies like the 1% Comprehensive Import Supervision Scheme (CISS).
SEREC, however, defended the ICTN, arguing that its implementation would bring much-needed efficiency, improve cargo tracking, enhance import data accuracy, and strengthen regulatory oversight by the Nigerian Shippers’ Council. By improving compliance and transparency, Nweke believes the ICTN will make Nigerian ports more competitive and efficient.
Calling for the immediate adoption of the ICTN, he expressed confidence that once fully implemented, its benefits would be evident, ultimately proving critics wrong. For shippers grappling with excessive charges, SEREC insists that reforms are necessary to create a more transparent and business-friendly port system.
