By Joshua Yousouph
The House of Representatives Committee on Shipping Services has issued a three-week ultimatum to stakeholders in the maritime sector to resolve the lingering dispute over the controversial increase in port service charges, following a deadlocked peace meeting held in Lagos on Monday.
The directive came amid a prolonged stand-off between freight forwarders and shipping companies over the Nigerian Shippers’ Council’s (NSC) approval of a 30 per cent tariff increase, which has sparked protests and operational disruptions across the nation’s seaports.
Speaking with journalists after a closed door stakeholders’ meeting in Lagos, Chairman of the Committee, Abdusamad Dasuki, said all parties have agreed to return to the negotiation table and conclude deliberations within a strict timeframe.
He noted that while there is consensus on the need for an adjustment, the modalities and final figures would be determined through further engagement involving key industry players, including the Nigeria Customs Service and the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA).
According to him, “what has started late last year will be finalized in the month of April, at most by May, hopefully within three weeks,” adding that the outcome of the negotiations would form the basis for the eventual implementation of the new tariff regime.
Dasuki clarified that the process is ongoing, stressing that the 30 per cent increment remains under review pending the conclusion of consultations.
Also speaking, the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Dr. Pius Akutah, acknowledged the recurring nature of engagements on the issue, but insisted that the regulator is committed to ensuring a final resolution.
The NSC boss explained that shipping companies have been directed to conclude consultations with their respective stakeholders ahead of a final meeting scheduled for next week, where progress reports will be reviewed and a conclusive decision taken.
Akutah maintained that the Council had already exercised its regulatory mandate by approving the tariff adjustment, but emphasized the need for broader stakeholder engagement to ensure industry-wide acceptance.
Meanwhile, the Shipping Association of Nigeria (SAN) expressed dissatisfaction with the pace of progress, citing lack of a transparent and consistent framework for tariff review in the sector.
In a statement delivered on behalf of the Chairman of SAN, Mrs Boma Alabi SAN, the association lamented that no significant headway has been made in establishing a clear mechanism for determining tariffs, despite earlier directives by the National Assembly.
The group who was represented by its Executive Secretary, Jacinta Okoro Esq. attributed the delay to what it described as “mixed signals” from the NSC, particularly regarding the approval of varying tariff increases for different operators, which it said has undermined confidence in the regulatory process.
