Reps Move to Resolve Port Dispute : Stakeholders Face 3-Week Ultimatum

By Mina Ojelabi

The House of Representatives Committee on Shipping Services has issued a three-week ultimatum to maritime stakeholders to resolve the lingering dispute over the recent hike in port service charges, following a deadlock at a stakeholders’ meeting in Lagos.
The standoff, which pits freight forwarders against shipping companies, stems from the Nigerian Shippers’ Council’s approval of a 30 per cent tariff increase—an action that has sparked protests and disrupted operations across the nation’s seaports.
Speaking after a closed-door session, Committee Chairman Abdusamad Dasuki said all parties have agreed to return to the negotiation table with a firm timeline to conclude discussions. He noted that while there is broad consensus on the need for tariff adjustments, disagreements remain over the final rates and implementation framework.
Dasuki explained that key agencies, including the Nigeria Customs Service and the Nigerian Ports Authority, will be involved in the ongoing consultations to ensure a comprehensive resolution. He expressed optimism that an agreement would be reached by the end of April or, at the latest, early May.

He added that the proposed 30 per cent increase is still under review, pending the outcome of stakeholder engagements.
Meanwhile, Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Pius Akutah, described the continued consultations as essential, assuring that efforts are underway to secure a widely acceptable outcome. He disclosed that shipping companies have been directed to conclude consultations with their customers ahead of a final review meeting scheduled for next week.

Akutah maintained that the Council acted within its regulatory mandate in approving the tariff increase but emphasized that inclusive dialogue remains critical to achieving industry consensus.
However, the Shipping Association of Nigeria (SAN) has raised concerns over the slow pace of progress, citing the absence of a transparent and standardized framework for tariff determination.

In a statement delivered on behalf of SAN Chairman Boma Alabi, the association lamented the lack of meaningful progress in establishing a consistent tariff review mechanism, despite previous directives from the National Assembly. The statement, presented by SAN Executive Secretary Jacinta Okoro, also criticized what it described as inconsistent regulatory signals from the Council, including varying tariff approvals for different operators.
SAN nonetheless reaffirmed its commitment to continued engagement with the National Assembly and other stakeholders, while urging the committee to compel the Council to implement a transparent and credible tariff-setting framework without further delay.