The Shipping Association of Nigeria (SAN) has defended the recent increase in shipping tariffs, insisting the adjustment process followed due procedure and regulatory guidelines.
The response comes after concerns were raised by the NAGAFF Trade War Advocacy Committee over the implementation of new port charges within Nigeria’s maritime sector.
Speaking in Lagos, SAN Chairperson Boma Alabi said criticisms surrounding the tariff changes were largely based on incorrect assumptions.
She explained that the tariff approvals were granted by the Nigerian Shippers’ Council in line with its legal responsibility as the industry regulator.
According to Alabi, the review process spanned nearly two years and involved detailed engagement with key stakeholders across the shipping and logistics industry.
She noted that operators were required to provide comprehensive cost breakdowns to support their request for tariff adjustments.
These submissions, she added, were assessed against prevailing economic conditions, including rising inflation and fluctuations in foreign exchange rates.
Alabi clarified that the approvals were selective, applying only to companies that met the necessary regulatory conditions.
She described the tariff increase as moderate, noting that it remains lower than the overall inflation recorded during the review period.
The SAN chair also pointed out that other players within the maritime value chain had similarly adjusted their pricing structures due to increased operational costs.
She argued that focusing criticism solely on shipping companies does not reflect the broader economic realities affecting the industry.
Alabi called for continued dialogue among stakeholders and encouraged the use of appropriate regulatory channels to address concerns.
