Shippers’ Council halts new port tariffs again amid stakeholder concerns

The Nigerian Shippers’ Council has, for the second time, ordered the suspension of newly approved tariffs for shipping lines and their agents across the country’s ports.

In a directive issued on Friday, the council said the decision followed ongoing consultations with key stakeholders, including clearing agents and importers, as well as concerns over the timing, structure, and potential impact of the tariff increase.

The regulator stated that the suspension is necessary to ensure fair competition, transparency, and stability within the maritime and logistics sector.

“All affected operators are mandated to revert to, and apply strictly, the tariff regime that was in force immediately prior to the said increase,” the council said.

It warned that any violation of the directive would be treated as a breach of regulatory compliance and would attract sanctions in line with existing laws.

This marks the second intervention by the council, after it initially halted the tariff implementation on January 14, 2026, pending wider stakeholder engagement.

The council added that a final decision would be communicated after the conclusion of consultations and internal regulatory review processes.

It reaffirmed its commitment to protecting cargo interests and promoting an efficient and equitable maritime transport system in Nigeria.