Harboursandport.com: Lagos, Nigeria - January 13, 2025: The Nigerian Shippers’ Council, NSC has directed shipping companies, agents, and terminal operators across the country’s ports to suspend any planned review or upward adjustment of charges until they have fully engaged their stakeholders.
The directive comes amid concerns that recent tariff adjustments were being implemented without adequate consultation.
In a statement signed by Rebecca Adamu, Head of Public Relations, the Council clarified that while tariff reviews fall under its statutory mandate as the Port Economic Regulator, such processes are not automatic approvals.
Instead, they are subject to rigorous evaluation and stakeholder input before final determinations are made.
The Council explained that its regulatory framework requires a transparent and structured process, which includes technical and consultative engagements with service providers. These engagements examine cost drivers, operational realities, investment obligations, and compliance requirements. Final decisions are only reached after detailed internal and financial assessments guided by empirical evidence and prevailing economic conditions.
Pius Akutah, Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the NSC, warned that any operator who proceeds with charge reviews without proper stakeholder engagement would face decisive regulatory action. He stressed that the Council is empowered to apply sanctions under its mandate, including enforcement measures provided for in relevant regulatory frameworks.
According to the Council, transparency, fairness, and stakeholder participation remain fundamental principles underpinning port economic regulation in Nigeria. It emphasized that unilateral actions by service providers could disrupt port operations and undermine the balance of interests within the maritime industry.
The directive is seen as part of NSC’s broader effort to protect port users and ensure that charges reflect both operational realities and fair competition. By halting premature adjustments, the Council aims to create a predictable business environment that supports investment while safeguarding the interests of shippers and other port stakeholders.
Akutah encouraged constructive dialogue and compliance, urging operators to embrace engagement as a means of building trust and stability in the sector. He noted that the Council remains committed to fostering collaboration between regulators, service providers, and port users.
With this directive, the NSC has reaffirmed its role as Nigeria’s port economic regulator, signaling its readiness to wield enforcement powers where necessary. The Council’s stance underscores its determination to maintain order, fairness, and accountability in the maritime industry, ensuring that Nigeria’s ports remain competitive and user-friendly.
No comments:
Post a Comment