By Joshua Yousouph
The Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) has reaffirmed its position that the proposed tariff increase in the maritime sector should not exceed 30 percent, describing the figure as a necessary cap to balance industry sustainability with economic stability.
Speaking at a one-day stakeholders’ forum in Lagos on Tuesday, the Executive Secretary of the Council, Dr. Akutah Pius, said the 30 percent approval represents an upper limit rather than a fixed rate, noting that actual implementation would depend on the outcome of consultations between shipping companies and industry players.
He explained that the Council had earlier suspended the implementation of the tariff in March 2026 to allow for broader engagement across the maritime value chain, adding that no increase would take effect until shipping companies conclude consultations with importers, exporters, freight forwarders, and clearing agents.
According to him, the decision to peg the increase at 30 percent followed proposals by shipping companies for hikes ranging between 150 and 200 percent, which the Council considered excessive under current economic realities.
“Shipping companies pushed for increases of over 100 percent, but we had to intervene. The 30 percent we approved is the maximum allowable, and even that will be implemented gradually,” he said.
Akutah maintained that the Council’s intervention was aimed at preventing a tariff regime that could negatively impact trade and the broader economy, while still allowing operators to remain viable amid rising operational costs and inflationary pressures.
He emphasized that the approved ceiling provides flexibility, as shipping companies may adopt lower increments of 10 or 20 percent based on the outcome of stakeholder engagements.
“The goal is not to stifle operators, but to ensure that any adjustment does not come as a shock to the system. We are promoting a gradual and consultative approach,” he added.
The NSC boss also noted that the Council considered prevailing economic indicators, including recent wage adjustments in the sector, before arriving at the 30 percent cap.
Stakeholders at the meeting, however, stressed the need for strict adherence to due process, insisting that consultation must precede any implementation.
President of the National Shippers’ Association of Nigeria, Jamilu Umar, said while stakeholders were not opposed to the tariff increase, the process must be transparent and inclusive.
“We are not against the increase, but there must be proper engagement. All stakeholders must be carried along before implementation,” he said.
Similarly, the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) called for mandatory consultations, warning that arbitrary increases could have ripple effects on production costs and consumer prices.
On their part, shipping companies, under the aegis of the Shipping Association of Nigeria (SAN), acknowledged the economic pressures driving the proposed increase but argued that the 30 percent cap falls short of industry expectations.
President of the association, Mrs Boma Alabi SAN, noted that operators are grappling with rising operational expenses, including a minimum wage benchmark of N200,000 within the subsector.
Alabi, however, called for sustained collaboration among stakeholders to ensure a more competitive and efficient maritime sector.
“The approved 30 percent is not entirely commercial. We initially proposed over 100 percent, but we understand the need to balance industry survival with economic realities,” she said.
Other stakeholders present at the forum included the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents, National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders, Association of Registered Freight Forwarders of Nigeria, National Council of Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents, Africa Association of Professional Freight Forwarders and Logistics, and the West Africa Exporters Association, among others.
