The Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) has directed shipping companies, shipping agents and terminal operators across the nation’s ports to suspend any review or upward adjustment of their charges until they have fully engaged relevant stakeholders.
In a statement signed by the Head of Public Relations, Rebecca Adamu, the Port Economic Regulator explained that the directive became necessary to ensure transparency, fairness and inclusive participation in port tariff decisions.
The NSC stressed that no service provider is permitted to implement a review of charges without adequate consultation with stakeholders.
The Council clarified that recent tariff adjustments were approved strictly in line with its statutory mandate as Port Economic Regulator, following a transparent and well-defined regulatory process.
According to the NSC, the process involved detailed technical and consultative engagements with affected service providers to assess cost drivers, operational realities, investment obligations and regulatory compliance.
It noted that the engagements did not amount to automatic approvals, but rather informed a broader evaluation.
Final decisions, the Council said, were reached only after rigorous internal, technical and financial assessments guided by empirical evidence, regulatory benchmarks and prevailing economic conditions.
Despite this, the NSC reiterated that shipping companies, agents and terminal operators must suspend any planned review of charges until proper stakeholder consultations have been conducted.
The Council warned that it would take firm enforcement action against any port service provider whose actions disrupt port operations.
The Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the Council, Dr. Pius Akutah (MON), cautioned that the NSC is empowered under its regulatory mandate to apply appropriate sanctions against defaulting operators, including enforcement measures provided under relevant regulatory frameworks.
He urged service providers to embrace constructive engagement, dialogue and full compliance with regulatory requirements.
Dr. Akutah assured port users and industry stakeholders of the Council’s commitment to protecting their interests, promoting fair competition and ensuring a balanced and predictable business environment in Nigeria’s maritime sector.
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