The Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) has directed shipping companies, shipping agents, and terminal operators operating in Nigerian ports to suspend any review or upward adjustment of charges until full engagement with relevant stakeholders is carried out.
The Council, Nigeria’s Port Economic Regulator, made this known in a statement issued on Tuesday, January 13, 2026 which was signed by the Head of Public Relations of the Council, Rebecca Adamu clarifying concerns surrounding recent tariff adjustments within the port system.
According to the NSC, the recent adjustments were approved strictly in line with its statutory mandate and followed a transparent and well-structured regulatory process. It explained that the process involved extensive technical and consultative engagements with affected service providers to assess cost drivers, operational realities, investment obligations, and regulatory compliance.
The Council stressed that such engagements did not translate to automatic approvals, noting that final decisions were reached only after rigorous internal, technical, and financial evaluations based on empirical evidence, regulatory benchmarks, and prevailing economic conditions.
Notwithstanding the approvals granted, the NSC directed shipping companies, agents, and terminal operators to suspend any intended review of charges until they have duly consulted and engaged their stakeholders. It warned that it would take firm regulatory action against any port service provider that disrupts port operations by implementing unapproved or unilateral charges.
The Council reiterated that transparency, fairness, and stakeholder participation remain core principles guiding port economic regulation in Nigeria.
Speaking on the directive, the Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the Council, Dr. Pius Akutah, warned that the NSC is empowered to apply appropriate sanctions against defaulting operators. He noted that enforcement measures would be applied in line with relevant regulatory frameworks where necessary.
Dr. Akutah encouraged constructive dialogue and compliance, cautioning that any service provider that proceeds with charge reviews without proper stakeholder engagement should be prepared to face decisive regulatory action.
He assured port users and industry stakeholders that the Nigerian Shippers’ Council remains committed to protecting their interests, promoting fair competition, and ensuring a balanced and predictable business environment within the Nigerian maritime industry.
