Shippers’ Council Halts New Port Tariffs Again, Orders Old Rates

For the second time, Nigeria’s port economic regulator, the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), has directed all shipping lines and agencies to immediately suspend recently approved tariff hikes and revert to pre-increase rates.

On January 14, NSC issued its first halt pending engagement with clearing agents, importers and other critical stakeholders.

But some shipping lines defied it—doubling surcharges like the Nigerian Ports Surcharge—leading to clearing agents picketing firms like MSC.

But, issuing a new directive on Friday, the Council said the new directive was issued in 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.

Established under the Nigerian Shippers’ Council Act and appointed Port Economic Regulator in 2014, the NSC protects shippers, ensures fair competition, and monitors tariffs amid stakeholder concerns.

The dispute began in early 2026 when NSC approved long-overdue tariff increases, sparking protests from clearing agents, importers, and groups like NSAN over poor port efficiency and lack of consultation.

For the second time, NSC, in the exercise of its statutory mandate as the economic regulator of the port and shipping sector, has directed all shipping lines and their respective agencies to immediately suspend the implementation of the recently approved tariffs.

In order to safeguard fair competition, transparency, and sectoral stability, the Council considers it necessary to halt further implementation pending the conclusion of comprehensive consultations and regulatory review.

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 will, upon conclusion of stakeholder consultations and internal review processes, communicate a definitive position on the matter.

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.