NSC halts new shipping tariffs, orders immediate reversal
…directs operators to revert to old rates amid industry protests By Afiong Edemumoh The Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) has ordered an immediate suspension of recently approved shipping tariffs, directing all
…directs operators to revert to old rates amid industry protests
By Afiong Edemumoh
The Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) has ordered an immediate suspension of recently approved shipping tariffs, directing all shipping lines and their agents to revert to previous rates, in a move aimed at stabilising the country’s port economy.
In a directive issued on Saturday, the Council said the decision followed mounting concerns from port users and stakeholders over the timing and structure of the tariff increases, as well as their potential impact on the nation’s logistics value chain.
The regulator said, “The Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), in the exercise of its statutory mandate as the economic regulator of the port and shipping sector, hereby directs all shipping lines and their respective agencies to immediately suspend the implementation of the recently approved tariffs.”
The development came days after heightened tensions across port corridors, with customs brokers and freight forwarders staging protests against rising shipping costs, including a picket of Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), one of the dominant carriers operating in Nigerian ports.
Industry analysts viewed the NSC’s intervention as a critical regulatory step to curb escalating port charges that have been blamed for increasing cargo clearance costs, trade inefficiencies, and inflationary pressures within the maritime sector.
According to the Council, the suspension is tied to ongoing engagements with key stakeholders aimed at ensuring fairness and transparency in tariff-setting.
“This directive is issued pursuant to ongoing engagements with critical stakeholders and in response to substantive concerns raised regarding the timing, structure, and potential impact of the said tariffs on port users and the wider logistics value chain,” the statement added.
The NSC emphasised that all affected operators must immediately revert to the previous tariff regime, warning that non-compliance would attract regulatory sanctions.
“Accordingly, all affected operators are mandated to revert to, and apply strictly, the tariff regime that was in force immediately prior to the said increase. Any deviation from this directive shall constitute a breach of regulatory compliance and will attract appropriate sanctions in line with extant laws and regulations.”
The Council disclosed that the suspension would remain in effect pending the outcome of broader consultations and internal regulatory review processes, after which a final decision would be communicated.
“The Council will, upon conclusion of stakeholder consultations and internal review processes, communicate a definitive position on the matter.”
Reaffirming its mandate, the NSC stressed its commitment to ensuring a competitive and efficient maritime transport system.
“The NSC remains resolute in its commitment to effective economic regulation, protection of cargo interests, and the promotion of an efficient and equitable maritime transport system.”
With the nation’s ports serving as a critical gateway for trade, the regulator’s latest intervention is expected to ease pressure on importers and freight operators, while setting the stage for a more structured and consultative approach to tariff adjustments in the sector.
