Nigerian Shippers’ Council’s approval of WACT’s new tariffs unpatriotic – APFFLON

Africa Association of Professional Freight Forwarders & Logistics (APFFLON) says the Nigerian Shippers’ Council is not patriotic about the growth of the nation and fair to port users with its blanket approval of the new tariffs of West Africa Container Terminal (WACT) at Onne Port, Rivers State.

APFFLON described the approval by the Nigerian Shippers’ Council as an act of sabotage against the national economy and a dent on its status as the Port Economy Regulator.

On Tuesday April 1, 2025 in Lagos, the National President of APFFLON, Otunba Frank Ogunojemite, stated this while responding to a press statement by the Nigerian Shippers’ Council announcing its approval for the new tariffs.

In the statement, the Nigerian Shippers’ Council had defended the recent tariff adjustment by West Africa Container Terminal (WACT), affirming that the increase was legitimate and falled within industry benchmarks.

The Council alleged that WACT claimed that APFFLON was not involved in its dialogue with freight forwarders over the increase because it failed to get an accreditation from the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding of Nigeria (CRFFN).

Ogunojemite, who doubted the veracity of the unsigned statement by the Council, queried the justification for the increase, saying the new tariffs by WACT, which took effect on Tuesday April 1, 2025, was 200% because it would be the second time in just one year that WACT would increase its tariffs.

Questioning the approval of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Ogunojemite said thus “If the Nigeria Shippers’ Council can support the WACT for this increment, that is a sabotage and they do not have the interests of the citizens at hearts. Last year, WACT made increments 100%. This year, again 100%.

“You and I are in the same market in this country. Why such increments? What is the justification for the increment?  How dare the Nigerian Shippers’ Council wanting to sabotage the federal government initiative to make Nigeria ports a hub for West Africa?

“This is uncalled for. This shows that the Nigeria Shippers’ Council would not be able to handle the Internationl Cargo Traffic Note (ICTN) that would be put in its corridors effectively.

“We now understand that Nigeria Shippers’ Council has been the architect of the holiday and weekend charges by these terminals. We have cried to them so many times, they ignored our cry. This is why the citizens of this country are suffering endlessly.

“Our economy is fragile and we are trying to attract foreign investors to this country. It is unfortunate that some agencies are collaborating with foreign investor in Nigeria in a capital flight by way of increasing and levying unnecessary and arbitrary charges.”

Speaking on various efforts made by APFFLON to resolve the crisis over the increase and other sundry port issues, Ogunojemite said “we have a good relationship with Nigeria Shipping Council. But the issue, the present issue that concerns the welfare of the citizens of this country, it is worse that Nigeria Shipper’ Council is taking it for granted.

“Coming to the CRFFN accreditation, I want to tell you that, as I am talking to you, there is no accredited association by CRFFN in this country. Ask me why.

“The accreditation of CRFFN is not permanent. It is subject to renewal every six months.  And wherever you default in the payment, you cease to be.

The APFFLON President, however, vowed that the association would not relent in ensuring that government take appropriate step in stopping the tariff increase.

“We will not fold our hands for Nigerians to be cheated. We will not fold our hands allowing the Nigerian Shippers’ Council sabotaging the effort of the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, including National Single Window, to make Nigeria a hub and cutting down of the port operation costs by 25%.

“We will escalate this matter  to the Senate Committee on Ethnics, Privilege and Public Hearing. We will write to the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) on these issues. I will write a letter to the Minister and Presidency.

 In its unsigned statement, the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) had defended the recent tariff adjustment by West Africa Container Terminal (WACT), affirming that the increase was legitimate and falls within industry benchmarks.

The Council also dismissed allegations of non-participation by the Africa Association of Professional Freight Forwarders and Logistics of Nigeria (APFFLON) in the consultation process.

The Council clarified that the increase in terminal handling and storage charges by WACT had been duly reviewed and approved in two phases—first in 2021 and then in 2023.

The Council dismissed opposition to the tariff adjustment from some freight forwarding associations, describing their concerns as misleading.

“As the economic regulator of the port sector, the Council finds it necessary to set the record straight and provide clarifications to avoid misinformation. The Council’s approval aligns with industry standards, and the tariff increment implemented by WACT was rigorously assessed to ensure fairness and sustainability for both service providers and port users,” the statement read.

The NSC refuted claims that WACT failed to consult its service users, particularly registered clearing agents, before implementing the increase.

According to the Council, WACT engaged extensively with key industry associations, including the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), the Association of Registered Freight Forwarders of Nigeria (AREFFN), and the National Council of Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents (NCMDLCA).

“These discussions resulted in a mutual agreement that the implementation would be phased to mitigate the impact on port users. In accordance with this agreement, the first phase of the tariff increase was introduced and accepted by service users. The final phase was scheduled following a one-month and two-week notice period, ensuring transparency and adequate preparation,” the NSC stated.

It stated that APFFLON’s exclusion was due to its own failure to comply with regulatory requirements.

“According to WACT, APFFLON has, for two years, failed to obtain an introductory letter from the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN), which is a prerequisite for recognition as an agent. Their inability to participate in the stakeholder engagement process was due to their own non-compliance rather than any act of exclusion by WACT,” the NSC clarified.

Reiterating its commitment to fair and competitive practices within Nigeria’s port sector, the NSC urged stakeholders to engage constructively within the established regulatory framework.

“The Nigerian Shippers’ Council remains dedicated to ensuring a balance between the interests of terminal operators and port users. We encourage all stakeholders to adhere to regulatory guidelines and collaborate towards enhancing efficiency in port operations,” the statement concluded.