Tariff hike: Shippers’ Council orders suspension, threatens sanctions
...as SEREC warns against Port shutdown
The Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) has directed all shipping companies, shipping agents, and terminal operators to immediately suspend any review or upward adjustment of charges until they have fully engaged with stakeholders.
In a statement signed by the Head of Public Relations, Rebecca Adamu, the Port Economic Regulator clarified that while recent tariff adjustments followed due regulatory processes including technical and financial assessments based on cost drivers and operational realities stakeholder consultation remains a mandatory final step.
The Council also ordered a halt to any intended implementation of new rates until these consultations are concluded.
The Executive Secretary and CEO of the Council, Dr. Pius Akutah (MON), warned that the NSC would not hesitate to wield the big stick against any service provider that flouts this directive.
He emphasized that the Council is empowered to apply sanctions, including enforcement measures under relevant regulatory frameworks, to protect port users and ensure a transparent business environment.
Dr. Akutah urged operators to embrace dialogue but cautioned that unilateral price hikes would be met with decisive regulatory action.
In a related development, the Sea Empowerment Research Centre (SEREC) has cautioned industry players against shutting down port operations as a form of protest against shipping charges.
Reacting to recent threats by customs agents and freight forwarders to ground port activities, SEREC, in a position paper by its Head of Research, Fwdr Eugene Nweke, warned that such actions would cause avoidable collateral damage to cargo interests, importers, and indigenous businesses.
While acknowledging that the grievances regarding arbitrary and disproportionate tariff increases are legitimate, SEREC argued that the methods of seeking redress must align with modern industrial relations standards.
The Centre noted that traditional justifications for cost hikes such as forex volatility and energy costs have moderated, making unchecked charges inflationary.
However, it insisted that street-style shutdowns, physical obstruction of business premises, and selective operational disruptions are inconsistent with the strategic objectives of a modern maritime industry.
SEREC urged associations to adopt data-driven engagement and graduated escalation mechanisms such as formal petitions and arbitration rather than resorting to physical confrontation, which exposes practitioners to legal risks and undermines the profession.