NSC vows sanctions against shipping lines implementing tariff hike without stakeholder engagement

Nigeria’s Port Economic Regulator, the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), has threatened to wield the big stick against shipping companies, shipping agents, and terminal operators that implement upward charge reviews without proper stakeholder engagement.

This came as the Council directed all service providers to suspend any upward review and refrain from taking actions that could disrupt port operations.

The NSC in a statement issued by Head, Public Relations, Rebecca Adamu, clarified that the recent adjustment was approved strictly in accordance with its statutory mandate as the Port Economic Regulator.

The Council affirmed that all tariff reviews were conducted in a transparent, structured, and well-defined regulatory process.

“These processes included detailed technical and consultative engagement with affected service providers, aimed at examining the cost drivers, operational realities, investment obligations, and regulatory compliance.

“The engagements did not constitute automatic approvals; rather, they 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.

“Notwithstanding, shipping companies, agents, and terminal operators are hereby directed to suspend any intended review of charges until they have duly consulted and engaged their stakeholders. As the Port Economic Regulator, the Nigerian Shippers’ Council will wield the big stick against any port service providers disrupting port operations, ” the statement said.

The Council emphasised that transparency, fairness, and stakeholder participation are fundamental principles underpinning port economic regulation in Nigeria.

The Executive Secretary of the Council, Dr. Pius Akutah further warned that the Council is empowered under its regulatory mandate to apply appropriate sanctions against defaulting operators, including enforcement measures provided for under relevant regulatory frameworks.

He encouraged constructive engagement, dialogue, and compliance warning that any service provider that proceeds with charge reviews without stakeholders’ engagement should be prepared to face decisive regulatory action.

He assured 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 the Nigerian maritime industry.