By Sandra Chukwunyere
The Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) has directed shipping companies, shipping agents, and terminals operating in Nigerian ports to suspend any review or adjustment of charges until stakeholders have been fully engaged. This move aims to ensure transparency and fairness in the industry ¹.
The NSC emphasizes that any review or adjustment of charges must follow established regulatory frameworks and guidelines, including detailed technical and consultative engagement with affected service providers.
The Council warns that any port service provider proceeding with charge reviews without stakeholder engagement will face decisive regulatory action.
The suspension of charge reviews is in line with the NSC’s mandate to promote fairness and transparency in the Nigerian shipping industry. The Council assures port users that it will continue to protect their interests and ensure a balanced and predictable business environment.
The NSC’s Executive Secretary, Dr. Pius Akutah, explains that the recent adjustments were approved strictly in line with the Council’s statutory mandate and followed a transparent and well-structured regulatory process. The process involved extensive technical and consultative engagements with affected service providers.
The NSC has been working to address concerns over unilateral actions that may disrupt port operations or impact the business environment. The Council encourages constructive dialogue and compliance, cautioning that any service provider that proceeds with charge reviews without proper stakeholder engagement should be prepared to face decisive regulatory action.
The Nigerian shipping industry has been facing challenges, including rising operational costs. The NSC has convened a high-level meeting with key industry stakeholders to address these concerns and find sustainable solutions ¹ ².
The NSC remains committed to promoting a fair and transparent shipping industry in Nigeria, ensuring that the industry operates safely, efficiently, and effectively.
This is contained in a statement signed by Mrs Rebecca Adamu, Head, Public Relations Officer of the Agency.
