NSC Consults Stakeholders on Proposed 30% Tariff Increase

The Nigerian Shipper Council (NSC) held a stakeholder meeting on Tuesday to discuss a proposed 30% increase in shipping tariffs. Dr. Pius Akutah, the NSC Secretary, announced that the implementation of the new tariffs would be suspended until March 2026 to allow for broader consultations across the maritime value chain.

The council emphasized that the increase is necessary due to current economic realities, including inflation and rising operational costs. Stakeholders, including shipping companies and freight forwarders, expressed concerns about the impact of the proposed hike.

Akutah assured that the increase would not destabilize the economy and would be implemented gradually, with shipping companies already beginning consultations. Critics, including Dr. Jamilu Umar and Boma Alabi, acknowledged the need for the increase but stressed the importance of proper stakeholder engagement.

Alabi noted that the approved 30% increase fell short of industry expectations, which proposed a 100% hike to reflect current realities. The NSC aims to ensure that the tariff adjustments do not place undue pressure on the economy.