NSC Orders Shipping Firms, Terminals to Freeze Tariff Hikes, Warns of Sanctions
Kathy Kyari
Nigeria’s Port Economic Regulator, the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), has directed shipping companies, shipping agents, and terminal operators across the country’s ports to immediately suspend any review or upward adjustment of their charges, warning that violators will face strict regulatory sanctions.
The Council stressed that no service provider is permitted to implement tariff increases without first conducting full stakeholder consultations, reaffirming transparency and fairness as core principles of port economic regulation in Nigeria.
Clarifying recent developments, the NSC stated that the latest tariff adjustment was approved strictly in line with its statutory mandate as Port Economic Regulator. According to the Council, the review process followed a transparent, structured, and well-defined regulatory framework.
It explained that the process involved detailed technical and consultative engagements with affected service providers to assess cost drivers, operational realities, investment obligations, and regulatory compliance. However, the Council emphasised that these engagements “did not constitute automatic approvals” but rather informed a broader evaluative process.
“Final determinations were reached only after rigorous internal, technical, and financial assessments guided by empirical evidence, regulatory benchmarks, and prevailing economic conditions,” the Council noted.
Despite this, the NSC directed shipping companies, agents, and terminal operators to suspend any intended review of charges until they have duly consulted and engaged their stakeholders.
As Port Economic Regulator, the Council warned that it would “wield the big stick” against any port service provider found to be disrupting port operations or acting outside approved regulatory processes.
The Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the Council, Dr. Pius Akutah, further 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.
While encouraging constructive engagement, dialogue, and compliance, Dr. Akutah warned that any service provider that proceeds with charge reviews without stakeholder engagement “should be prepared to face decisive regulatory action.”
He assured port users and industry stakeholders that the Nigerian Shippers’ Council remains committed to protecting the interests of port users, promoting fair competition, and ensuring a balanced and predictable business environment within Nigeria’s maritime industry.
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