Shippers’ council directs shipping lines to suspend tariff hikes

By Steve Abota

The Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) has directed all shipping lines and their respective agencies to immediately suspend the implementation of the recently approved tariffs.

This was contained in a statement issued by the council and made available to Saturday Sun.

The statement stated that the directive followed ongoing consultations and concerns raised by key stakeholders within the maritime and logistics sector.

According to the council, in the interest of fairness, transparency, and maintaining industrial harmony, it has become necessary to halt the implementation of the tariffs, pending further deliberations.

“All shipping lines and agencies are therefore required to maintain the status quo until a consensus is reached among stakeholders. A final resolution will be communicated after all parties have concluded discussions and formally reported back to the Nigerian Shippers’ Council.

“The Council remains committed to fostering a collaborative environment that ensures sustainable growth, operational efficiency, and the protection of stakeholders’ interests across the sector. All parties are urged to comply with this directive and cooperate fully throughout the consultation period,” the statement read in part.

The freight forwarders had shut down the offices of Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) over the recent increase in shipping line tariffs this week. They also vowed to continue the protest on Monday until the increased charges are immediately reversed.

During the protest, the Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Dr. Akutah Pius, called on freight forwarders to embrace dialogue as a constructive means of resolving their grievances rather than resorting to industrial actions capable of undermining the nation’s economy.