The shipping association defends the tariff increase and insists on the transparency of the process

The Shipping Association of Nigeria (SAN) has defended the recent increase in shipping rates, insisting that the adjustment process followed due process and regulatory guidelines.

The response comes after trade war advocacy committee NAGAFF raised concerns over the implementation of new port taxes in Nigeria’s maritime sector.

Speaking in Lagos, SAN President Boma Alabi said criticism surrounding the tariff changes was largely based on faulty assumptions.

He explained that the tariff approvals were granted by the Nigerian Shippers Council in line with its legal responsibility as a regulator of the industry.

According to Alabi, the review process took almost two years and involved detailed engagement with key stakeholders in the shipping and logistics industry.

It noted that operators were required to provide a full cost breakdown to support their request for tariff adjustments.

Such observations, he added, were weighed against prevailing economic conditions, including rising inflation and exchange rate fluctuations.

Alabi clarified that the approvals were selective and only applied to companies that met the necessary regulatory conditions.

He described the rate increase as moderate, noting that it remains lower than the overall inflation recorded during the period under review.

The SAN President also highlighted that other players within the maritime value chain have similarly changed their pricing structures due to rising operational costs.

He argued that focusing criticism solely on shipping companies does not reflect the broader economic realities impacting the industry.

Alabi called for continued dialogue between stakeholders and encouraged the use of appropriate regulatory channels to address concerns.