The House Committee on Shipping Services and the Nigerian Shippers’ Council have launched high-level emergency talks with industry stakeholders to resolve the growing tension surrounding proposed tariff increases at Nigeria’s seaports.
The intervention follows a wave of protests and operational disruptions that have paralyzed activities at several ports, as operators and port users remain deadlocked over the rising cost of maritime services.
The Chairman of the House Committee, Hon. Abdussamad Dasuki, stated that the current engagement is a direct response to appeals from the Shipping Association of Nigeria (SAN). The association had earlier sought legislative support to navigate the sector’s mounting operational hurdles.
Hon. Dasuki emphasized that the Parliament’s role is to find a middle ground that protects the interests of port users while ensuring service providers remain viable.
“This is a strategic effort to balance the interests of all parties and promote sustainable growth in the maritime sector,” Dasuki noted during the session.
Addressing the most contentious issue, the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Akutah Pius, confirmed that a 30% tariff increase for shipping lines has been approved.
While the hike was previously suspended due to industry backlash, Mr. Pius clarified the Council’s current position:
- The 30% adjustment is the absolute maximum allowable limit.
- The increase will not be applied all at once but will be introduced gradually.
- Further implementation is subject to ongoing negotiations between shipping operators and their customers to prevent further port shutdowns.
- The maritime sector has been on edge following the proposed hikes, with many port users arguing that additional costs will worsen inflation and the cost of doing business in Nigeria.
By stepping in, the House Committee and the Shippers’ Council hope to stabilize the “blue economy” and ensure that the seaports—a critical gateway for national revenue—remain functional while addressing the genuine economic pressures faced by shipping lines.
