The Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) has stated that the tariff review approvals granted to the West Africa Container Terminal (WACT) at Onne Port in Rivers State in 2021 and 2023 followed due process and complied with industry benchmarks.
In a notice to stakeholders dated February 3, 2025, the terminal operator announced that it had reviewed and adjusted its Terminal Handling Charges (THC) and storage fees per the relevant regulatory approval.
The new rates set to take effect from April 1, 2025, sparked reactions from importers and clearing agents. In response to the stakeholders’ concerns, the NSC, in a statement issued by its Director of Regulatory Services, Margret Ogbonnah, clarified that the tariff increments implemented by WACT underwent a thorough review to ensure fairness and alignment with prevailing economic conditions.
The Council reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining justifiable and sustainable tariffs for both service providers and port users. According to the NSC, WACT engaged extensively with key industry stakeholders before implementing the revised tariff structure.
The council said consultations were held with the leadership of registered clearing agents, including the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), the Association of Registered Freight Forwarders of Nigeria (ARFFN), and the National Council of Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents (NCMDLCA).
The Council said following these discussions, an agreement was reached to implement the tariff adjustment in phases to minimise the impact on port users. The NSC stated that the first phase of the tariff increment was executed with the acceptance of service users, while the final phase was scheduled for implementation after a one-month and two-week notice period to ensure transparency and adequate preparation.
The NSC also refuted claims by the Africa Association of Professional Freight Forwarders and Logistics of Nigeria (APFFLON) regarding exclusion from the stakeholder engagement process.
According to the terminal operator, APFFLON has failed to obtain an introductory letter from the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN) for two years, which is a prerequisite for recognition as a legitimate agent.
The NSC said consequently, their absence from the stakeholder engagement process resulted from non-compliance with regulatory requirements rather than exclusion.
Reiterating its role as the port sector regulator, the NSC assured stakeholders of its unwavering commitment to promoting fair and competitive practices. The Council encouraged industry players to engage constructively and comply with regulatory frameworks to enhance operational efficiency in Nigeria’s ports.
