Stakeholders Hail Shippers’ Council For Stopping New Shipping Charges

After consistent protests by clearing agents and freight forwarders, the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) has directed all shipping companies, shipping agents, and terminals operating within Nigerian ports to suspend and refrain from implementing any review or upward adjustment of their charges until they have fully engaged their stakeholders.

Maritime stakeholders across Nigeria’s shipping and logistics sector commended the executive secretary and chief executive officer of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Dr. Pius Akutah, for his swift and decisive intervention in the recent attempt by shipping companies to review shipping charges in Nigeria.

Clearing agents, importers, exporters, freight forwarders, and port service operators described Dr Akutah’s timely action as a stabilising force that prevented what could have escalated into a major crisis within the nation’s maritime and trade ecosystem.

The controversy arose from reports of a proposed increase in shipping charges by some shipping companies operating in the country. Industry observers noted that the proposed adjustments were introduced without sufficient consultation with key stakeholders, raising concerns over potential disruptions at the ports and the increased cost of doing business.

However, the Nigerian Shippers’ Council promptly intervened by summoning the shipping lines, engaging relevant industry players, and insisting on broad stakeholder consultation before any new charges could be implemented. The intervention effectively halted the unilateral process and restored confidence across the sector.

A clearing agent, Ibrahim Musa, praised the NSC boss for his responsiveness.

He said, “Dr. Pius Akutah acted at the right time. His intervention saved clearing agents and importers from sudden and unjustified increases in shipping costs. This is the kind of leadership the maritime industry needs — proactive, firm, and fair.”

A Lagos-based freight forwarder, Ifeoma Okorie, described the move as a welcome demonstration of effective port economic regulation.

“The Shippers’ Council has proven that it stands with port users. This prompt action nipped in the bud what could have snowballed into a nationwide logistics crisis.”

Importers and exporters also joined in commending the NSC’s intervention. Tunde Adebayo, a spokesperson for a coalition of importers at Apapa Port, noted that sudden cost increases would have had ripple effects on consumer prices.

From the exporters’ perspective, Grace Eze, said the decision reinforced confidence in Nigeria’s trade facilitation framework.

“Export competitiveness depends on predictable shipping costs. The Shippers’ Council’s intervention has preserved stability and investor confidence in our maritime trade environment.”

Stakeholders further lauded Dr. Akutah for consistently promoting dialogue as the cornerstone of maritime governance. They noted that his insistence on inclusive consultation aligns with global best practices, which require that any review of shipping tariffs or service charges involve all affected parties.

“Unilateral decisions on shipping charges affect thousands of businesses and millions of Nigerians. Full stakeholder engagement is not optional — it is essential for fairness, transparency, and sustainable port operations,” she said.

The Head of Public Relations at the NSC, Rebecca Adamu, who made this known, stated that the increment was approved strictly in accordance with its statutory mandate as the Port Economic Regulator.

Adamu stated further that the Council, as the Port Economic Regulator, would wield the big stick against any port service providers disrupting port operations.

“The Council wishes to clarify that the recent adjustment was approved strictly in accordance with its statutory mandate as the Port Economic Regulator. The Council affirms that all tariff reviews were conducted in a transparent, structured, and well-defined regulatory process.

“These processes included detailed technical and consultative engagement with affected service providers, aimed at examining the cost drivers, operational realities, investment obligations, and regulatory compliance.

“The engagements did not constitute automatic approvals; rather, they informed a broader evaluative process. Final determinations were reached only after rigorous internal, technical, and financial assessments guided by empirical evidence, regulatory benchmarks, and prevailing economic conditions.”

The Shippers’ Council Spokesperson assured stakeholders that the Council remains committed to protecting the interests of port users, promoting fair competition, and ensuring a balanced and predictable business environment.

“Notwithstanding, Shipping companies, agents, and terminal operators are hereby directed to suspend any intended review of charges until they have duly consulted and engaged their stakeholders. As the Port Economic Regulator, the Nigerian Shippers’ Council will wield the big stick against any port service providers disrupting port operations.

“The Council emphasised that transparency, fairness, and stakeholder participation are fundamental principles underpinning port economic regulation in Nigeria.

However, Adamu stated that the executive secretary of the Council, Dr. Pius Akutah, warned that the Council is empowered under its regulatory mandate to apply appropriate sanctions against defaulting operators, including enforcement measures provided for under relevant regulatory frameworks.

He encourages constructive engagement, dialogue, and compliance with all stakeholders.

“However, any service provider that proceeds with charge reviews without stakeholders’ engagement should be prepared to face decisive regulatory action. He assured that the Nigerian Shippers’ Council remains committed to protecting the interests of port users, promoting fair competition, and ensuring a balanced and predictable business environment within the Nigerian maritime industry,” she noted.