Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Dr Pius Akutah, has said the decision to defend the recent marginal increase in port tariffs followed a rigorous review of industry indices and investments by shipping companies and terminal operators.

Akutah explained that since assuming office in 2023, the council had consistently resisted requests by shipping companies and terminal operators to increase their tariffs to protect port users and support the broader economy.

Akutah, who was responding to concerns raised by freight forwarders about its support for the tariff review, told journalists yesterday that the council ensured that all tariff adjustment requests were toned down for nearly two years despite rising operational indices in the sector.

Akutah noted that the council eventually had to exercise its regulatory authority earlier this year after reviewing the financial records and investment levels of terminal operators and shipping companies.

He explained that the council adopted a scientific approach by examining the books of operators to determine whether there was justification for a tariff adjustment before approving what he described as a marginal increment.

Akutah said the operators were directed to consult widely with their stakeholders before implementing the new charges.

Akutah urged shipping companies, terminal operators and freight forwarders to return to the negotiation table and resolve the dispute, warning that prolonged disagreements would force the Council to escalate the matter to the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy for final resolution.

The Africa Association of Professional Freight Forwarders and Logistics of Nigeria (APFFLON) frowns on the NSC’s support for the tariff adjustment, warning that arbitrary charges by shipping companies and operational adjustments will reverse recent gains made toward port cost rationalisation, escalate inflation and worsen the hardship faced by Nigerian citizens, cripple small and medium-scale importers and exporters.

Speaking on behalf of the association, the National President of APFFLON, Frank Ogunojemite, noted that the decision would undermine Nigeria’s trade competitiveness within the West African sub-region and send negative signals to both local and foreign investors.