The Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC) has directed all shipping companies and their agents to immediately suspend the recently approved tariff increases, following concerns raised by port users and industry stakeholders.
The directive, announced in a statement on Friday, comes amid growing protests and dissatisfaction within the freight forwarding and logistics community, particularly in Lagos ports.
According to the NSC statement, the decision is in line with ongoing engagements with critical stakeholders and aims to address issues related to the timing, structure, and potential impact of the proposed tariffs on port users and the wider logistics sector.
“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,” the statement read in part.
The council emphasised that all affected operators must revert to the tariff regime that was in force prior to the proposed increase. It warned that any deviation from this directive would constitute a breach of regulatory compliance and could attract sanctions under existing laws.
“The council will, upon conclusion of stakeholder consultations and internal review processes, communicate a definitive position on the matter,” the statement added.
The NSC reiterated its commitment to protecting cargo interests, ensuring sector stability, and promoting an efficient maritime transport system. “All operators are hereby enjoined to ensure strict and immediate compliance,” it concluded.
The tariff suspension follows visible unrest among freight forwarders in Lagos. On Wednesday, several agents staged protests at the offices of major shipping lines in Apapa, Lagos, rejecting the recent increase in shipping charges.
The protests began at the MSC Shipping office along Commercial Road, Apapa, and were also held at Lagos and Niger Shipping Company as well as Pacific International Lines. The demonstrations led to the temporary shutdown of operations at the affected shipping companies.
Sources indicated that the protesting agents refused to engage in dialogue with the NSC leadership until the immediate reversal of the hiked charges. The standoff reflected the heightened tension between freight operators and shipping lines, as well as the potential disruption to Nigeria’s port activities if the issue was not resolved.
The shipping industry in Nigeria has experienced several adjustments to freight rates and tariffs in recent years, reflecting changes in global shipping costs, fuel prices, and operational challenges at local ports.
While shipping companies cited operational costs as reasons for the increase, port users and freight forwarding agents have often expressed concern over the timing and magnitude of such hikes, arguing that sudden changes negatively impact trade, logistics planning, and the cost of goods.
The NSC, which regulates shipping operations and cargo handling in Nigeria, intervened to mediate between the parties, balancing the interests of shipping companies with those of freight forwarders and port users.
Nigeria’s maritime sector plays a critical role in the national economy, facilitating the import and export of goods and providing employment for thousands of workers in ports and logistics. Tariff policies directly affect business costs, cargo handling efficiency, and overall competitiveness in the industry.
The NSC has promised that following comprehensive stakeholder consultations and an internal review, it will communicate a final decision on the tariffs. Shipping operators are expected to comply immediately with the suspension order, while freight forwarders continue to monitor the situation closely.
In addition, the council has urged shipping companies to maintain transparency and fairness in their dealings with port users and to provide clarity on any future tariff adjustments.
The ongoing dialogue between the NSC, shipping companies, and freight forwarders will likely determine whether the current suspension leads to a permanent reversal or a renegotiated tariff framework that balances the needs of all parties involved.
The suspension has been welcomed by many in the shipping and logistics community, who view the NSC’s decision as a victory for port users and a sign that regulatory oversight is effective in protecting industry stakeholders.