7% Port Levy Sinks Trade Cut It Now: Freight Forwarders Tell Tinubu

The Africa Association of Professional Freight Forwarders and Logistics of Nigeria (APFFLON) has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to urgently slash the 7% surcharge on cargo clearance at Nigerian ports, warning that the levy is crippling trade and worsening the nation’s economic crisis.

In a letter delivered to the Aso Rock Presidential Villa, APFFLON described the surcharge as an unsustainable burden on importers, exporters, and logistics operators at a time of soaring inflation, a weakening Naira, and struggling businesses. The association argued that the levy inflates import costs, disrupts supply chains, and is pushing many legitimate enterprises toward collapse.

The group also questioned the continued relevance of the surcharge, pointing out that most port terminals are now privately operated and that users receive no corresponding value or improved services from the levy.

While recognizing the Federal Government’s revenue and infrastructure goals, APFFLON cautioned that excessive charges risk stifling productivity, discouraging formal trade, and fueling inflation.

The association’s demands include an immediate downward review of the surcharge, a public audit of its utilization, stakeholder engagement to create a fair port revenue model, and a harmonized, transparent pricing system to remove overlapping levies.

APFFLON President, Frank Ogunojemite, stressed that reducing the surcharge would show the administration’s commitment to economic recovery and ease of doing business, pledging the group’s support for reforms that advance national interest and revive trade.

The call adds to growing industry pressure for port and trade policy reforms to ease Nigeria’s economic strain.