The House of Representatives Committee on Shipping Services has directed the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), and the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) to address the ongoing tariff hike crisis in port services and come to a conclusion within three weeks.

The Chairman of the committee, Abdussamad Dasuki, gave the charge yesterday during an engagement with the legislators, regulatory agencies, and industry players, including shipping lines, terminal operators, freight forwarders, and customs agents.

Dasuki said the committee’s intervention was aimed at resolving lingering concerns over tariff adjustments across the maritime sector, especially with its impact on port operations and the economy.

“We came here to resolve some of the issues within the maritime sector, which has to do with the increase in tariffs. There is a need for a slight adjustment, and the regulator is working with all relevant stakeholders to reach a consensus,” he said.

He said representatives of critical government agencies, including the NSC, NPA, and the NCS, are actively participating in the process and have committed to the stakeholder engagement framework designed to harmonise positions ahead of implementation.

Dasuki expressed optimism that the process, which began late last year, would be finalised between April and the first week of May, while also clarifying that the tariff regime has not been suspended but remains under active review.

“Within three weeks, we should be able to conclude and implement whatever decision is agreed upon by the majority of stakeholders,” he stated.

He commended the regulatory agencies for laying the groundwork to ensure inclusiveness in the decision-making process.

Also speaking, the Executive Secretary, NSC, Dr Pius Akutah, defended the Council’s regulatory approach, emphasising that shipping companies had already been directed to engage their respective stakeholders.

Akutah acknowledged concerns from some operators, including shipping lines, terminal operators, and other port users, regarding gaps in consultation, but maintained that the Council had acted within its legal mandate.

He stressed that ongoing engagements between shipping companies and their customers were essential to resolving the dispute.

“As the regulator, we exercised our authority in line with the enabling laws and directed shipping companies to engage with their stakeholders. Some have done so, but all affected parties must conclude these engagements before the final meeting,” he said.

Akutah disclosed that the upcoming meeting would serve as the final platform for reviewing feedback from across the industry, after which a definitive decision on tariff adjustments would be taken.

“We are not going to truncate the meetings already scheduled by shipping companies and their stakeholders. They must complete those discussions and report back to us. From there, we will take a final decision and settle the matter,” he added.

He said the planned engagement will be the final and is expected to bring together regulators, shipping firms, port authorities and other industry players as a critical step toward restoring clarity and stability in the nation’s maritime tariff regime.