The National Shippers Association of Nigeria (NSAN) has rejected the recent increases in port service charges approved by the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), warning that the move could raise trade costs and aggravate inflation.
Speaking to newsmen on Wednesday, after a maritime stakeholders meeting, the association said the upward review was flawed, alleging that shippers and other segments in the maritime sector were excluded from consultations required under the Nigerian Shippers’ Council Act.
However, the NSC Head of Public Relations, Rebecca Adamu, explained that the recent adjustments were approved strictly under the Council’s statutory mandate as the Port Economic Regulator.
NSAN cautioned that the higher charges could increase landing costs for imports, woraasen inflationary pressures, and create uncertainty for businesses already grappling with high operating costs.
