Tariff hike suspension by Nigerian Shippers’ Council is not sincere – APFFLON

The recent halt of shipping tariff hike by the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) has been considered as not a genuine resolution but a mere tactical retreat under pressure.

The President of the Africa Association of Professional Freight Forwarders and Logistics of Nigeria (APFFLON), Otunba Frank Ogunojemite, made this assertion in a statement on the action of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council stopping shipping lines going ahead with that hike.

The APFFLON President noted that the hike kill freight forwarding and make living difficult for common Nigerians, pointing out that no implementation of tariff increases in any guise.

“While the announcement by the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) to halt the shipping tariff hike may appear as a win for the industry, APFFLON considers it a mere tactical retreat under pressure—not a genuine resolution.

“We have seen this pattern before. Announcements are made, but in reality, shipping companies quietly proceed with implementation, exploiting weak enforcement and regulatory gaps. This must not happen again.

“Let it be clearly stated: Any attempt—direct or indirect—to impose these illegal and unjustified charges will be met with total resistance from freight forwarders nationwide.

“The Executive Secretary’s message alone is not enough. What matters to Nigerians is visible enforcement, strict compliance, and immediate reversal of any hidden or backdoor charges already introduced,” said he.

“Our Position are Non-Negotiable: No implementation of tariff increases in any guise, No backdoor charges or disguised fees, Full compliance by all shipping companies without exception and Immediate sanctions for defaulters

We must not forget that these arbitrary increases: Strangle Nigerian businesses, Worsen inflation and economic hardship, Sabotage the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda and Exploit already suffering Nigerian importers and consumers

“This is no longer just a maritime issue—this is an economic battle for Nigeria’s survival

“APFFLON therefore calls on all stakeholders: Remain vigilant at all ports, Resist any attempt to enforce illegal charges, Report non-compliant shipping companies immediately and Stand united—because division is their advantage.

“We also call on the Nigerian Shippers’ Council to move beyond statements and prove its authority through decisive enforcement actions. Anything short of this will confirm the fears of stakeholders that regulatory institutions are being undermined.

“Let this serve as a final warning. Freight forwarders will not sit back and watch the system be manipulated again. Enough is enough. Compliance is not optional.”