The Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) has renewed calls for a drastic review or outright removal of the war risk insurance surcharge imposed on vessels calling at Nigerian ports.
Executive Secretary of the Council, Dr. Pius Akutah, made the appeal in a goodwill message to the 3rd Annual Maritime Lecture of the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN) in Lagos.
L-R. Chairman, Nigerian Ports Consultative Council, Mr Bolaji Sunmola, Representative of the Nigerian Chamber of Shipping/Sea Transport Service, Dr Anthony Joshua, Deputy Director/Head of Public Relations, Mr Edward Osagie, Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) Head of Public Relations Unit, Mrs Rebecca Adamu, Representative of the Minister for Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Bolaji Akinola, President of Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN), Mr Godfrey Bivbere, Chairman, Starzs Investment Limited, Engr. Greg Ogbeifun, Western Command Port Authority Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Isaac Hundeyin, Former Director General NIMASA, Dr Temisan Omatseye.
Represented by the Council’s Director of Regulatory Affairs, Mrs. Margaret Ogbonna, Akutah said the levy was no longer justified given Nigeria’s improved maritime security. He pointed to sustained efforts by NIMASA, the Nigerian Navy, and other partners, including the deployment of the Deep Blue Project, which have significantly reduced piracy and sea robbery in the Gulf of Guinea.
Despite these gains, Nigeria is still listed as a high-risk shipping destination, attracting huge surcharges that are ultimately transferred to importers, exporters, and consumers through higher prices of goods.
Round Table of Guests seated at the MAMAL 2025 Conference Held in Lagos
“The imposition of war risk insurance at this point is harmful to trade and undermines Nigeria’s competitiveness,” he said, pledging that the Council would continue to push for a data-driven reassessment of Nigeria’s waters by international underwriters such as Lloyd’s Market Association.
The Shippers’ Council boss also expressed optimism that ongoing engagements at ECOWAS, the Gulf of Guinea Maritime Collaboration Forum, and the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) would secure global recognition of Nigeria’s security achievements.
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