SHIPPERS COUNCIL AND HOUSE COMMITTEE DEEPEN STAKEHOLDER DIALOGUE ON TARIFFS AND PORT EFFICIENCY

SHIPPERS COUNCIL AND HOUSE COMMITTEE DEEPEN STAKEHOLDER DIALOGUE ON TARIFFS AND PORT EFFICIENCY
By prince Benson Davies
The House of Representatives Committee on Shipping Services and the Nigerian Shippers Council have intensified engagement with key industry stakeholders to address growing concerns over tariff demands by service providers and broader operational challenges within the maritime sector.

Chairman of the Committee Hon. Abdussamad Dasuki, in his opening remarks, noted that the meeting builds on earlier discussions with the Shipping Association of Nigeria, which had sought the Committee’s intervention on critical industry issues. He described the engagement as a strategic platform aimed at balancing the interests of port users and service providers while fostering sustainable sector growth.

Speaking at the session, the Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Shippers Council, Dr. Akutah Pius, MON, reaffirmed the Council’s approval of a 30 percent tariff increase for shipping lines following extensive stakeholder consultations. He explained that although the increase had previously been suspended, it remains the maximum allowable adjustment and will be implemented gradually, subject to further engagement between shipping companies and their customers.

Dr. Akutah emphasised that the review became necessary after more than two years without any tariff adjustments, despite rising operational costs across the industry. While acknowledging concerns from some stakeholders that the 30 percent cap falls below current inflation levels, he maintained that the decision reflects a careful balance between industry sustainability and the broader economic interest.

He further disclosed that the Council is developing an automated tariff system designed to align future pricing adjustments with prevailing economic indicators such as inflation and exchange rate fluctuations. According to him, the initiative will promote greater transparency, predictability, and flexibility in the maritime pricing framework.

Also speaking, Chairman of the Shipping Association of Nigeria SAN, Boma Alabi SAN, OON, commended the National Assembly Committee on Shipping Services for its proactive engagement and responsiveness following earlier deliberations at the National Assembly.

She highlighted key operational challenges affecting the sector, noting that these issues continue to impact vessel turnaround time and overall port efficiency. She called for enhanced port security, stronger inter agency collaboration, and a clearly defined responsibility framework to prevent undue liabilities on shipping companies.

Alabi reiterated the Association’s commitment to supporting policies and operational practices that will improve efficiency, reduce costs, and strengthen Nigeria’s competitiveness as a leading maritime nation.

The meeting drew participation from a broad spectrum of industry stakeholders, including the Shippers Association, the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria MAN, the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents ANLCA, shipping companies, and the Africa Association of Professional Freight Forwarders.

From right: Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Shippers Council, Dr. Akutah Pius, MON, in a discussion with the Chairman, House Committee on Shipping Services, Hon. Abdussamad Dasuki during the stakeholder engagement.

At the end of the meeting, the House Committee on Shipping Services directed the Nigerian Shippers Council to hold a follow up meeting within one week. The Council was asked to bring all critical stakeholders together with clear timelines for action. The Committee also urged shipping companies to increase consultations with stakeholders to reach consensus quickly and ensure the smooth implementation of the agreed resolutions.