NSC Tells Shipping Companies to Engage Stakeholders Before Increasing Charges

NSC Tells Shipping Companies to Engage Stakeholders Before Increasing Charges

By prince Benson Davies

The Federal Government has directed all shipping companies, shipping agents, and terminal operators operating within Nigeria’s seaports to suspend and refrain from implementing any review or upward adjustment of their charges until they have fully engaged their stakeholders. The directive was made by the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), the country’s Port Economic Regulator.

The NSC had been petitioned by Licensed Customs Agents operating in the nation’s maritime sector, who threatened to picket some shipping companies and shipping agents over their planned increase in shipping charges. The Council intervened, directing the shipping companies and terminal operators to commence consultation with their relevant stakeholders with a view to reaching an amicable solution.

The NSC has emphasized that transparency, fairness, and stakeholder participation are fundamental principles underpinning port economic regulation in Nigeria. The Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer of the Council, Dr. Pius Akutah (MON), has warned that the Council will wield the big stick against any port service providers disrupting port operations. He encouraged constructive engagement, dialogue, and compliance, but warned that any service provider that proceeds with charge reviews without stakeholders’ engagement should be prepared to face decisive regulatory action.

The NSC has directed shipping companies and terminal operators to engage with their stakeholders, including licensed customs agents, to reach a mutually acceptable agreement on any proposed charge increases. The Council will monitor the engagement process and ensure that any agreed-upon charges are fair, reasonable, and in compliance with regulatory requirements.

The NSC remains committed to protecting the interests of port users, promoting fair competition, and ensuring a balanced and predictable business environment within the Nigerian maritime industry. The Council’s directive is aimed at ensuring that shipping companies and terminal operators operate transparently and fairly, and that stakeholders are fully engaged in the decision-making process.