Reps Intervene as Shipping Tariff Talks End in Deadlock

Fresh efforts to resolve the dispute over proposed shipping tariff increases have ended without agreement, as shipping companies and licensed customs agents rejected the planned 30 percent hike for different reasons.

The talks, held in Lagos on Monday and convened by the House of Representatives Committee on Shipping Services, were aimed at finding common ground after the Nigerian Shippers’ Council suspended its earlier decision to enforce the increase and instead opened consultations with stakeholders.

Shipping companies argued that the proposed ceiling was too low, citing inflation, rising operational expenses, exchange rate instability, and global market pressures. On the other hand, freight forwarders and customs agents opposed applying the same percentage across all operators.

Chairman of the House Committee, Hon. Abdussamad Dasuki, said another round of discussions would take place within two weeks. He explained that stakeholders had been asked to identify unresolved issues and create a timeline for reaching a final decision.According to him, a new date for any tariff adjustment would only be announced after broader consultations are completed.

Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Dr Pius Akutah, said the council approved the 30 percent increase because tariffs had remained unchanged for more than two years. He added that the council was considering a phased implementation, with 30 percent serving as a maximum benchmark rather than a fixed rate.

However, the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents strongly opposed a blanket increase. Its National Vice President, Prince Segun Oduntan, argued that not all shipping companies provide the same level of service and therefore should not receive the same tariff adjustment. He also accused some operators of poor service delivery while repatriating profits abroad.

Meanwhile, Chairperson of the Shipping Association of Nigeria, Boma Alabi, said the meeting produced little progress. She called for a transparent and predictable pricing framework similar to those used in sectors such as telecommunications and power.

Following the stalemate, lawmakers directed the Shippers Council to reconvene stakeholders and work toward a final agreement next week