Importers operating under the Importers Association of Nigeria (IMAN), South West Zone, have rejected a proposed shipping tariff hike announced by major shipping companies in the country, according to a report by The Nation Online Nigeria.
The group raised concerns after a stakeholders’ meeting held in Lagos, where shipping firms reportedly outlined plans to increase charges by 30 to 40 per cent following what they said was approval from the Nigerian Shippers’ Council.
Acting Chairman of IMAN, Joseph Ajoku, said the association was not properly consulted before the announcement, insisting that an existing memorandum of understanding requires stakeholder engagement before any tariff adjustments.
He warned that importers could take legal action if the new charges are implemented without due process, noting that business groups, including the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and other stakeholders, had expressed similar concerns.
Ajoku said the proposed shipping tariff hike could significantly raise the cost of clearing cargo at Nigerian ports, particularly Apapa Port in Lagos, where clearing a container already costs between ₦15 million and ₦16 million.
He added that the increase could push costs close to ₦20 million, worsening pressure on import-dependent businesses already struggling with low sales and reduced consumer purchasing power.
The IMAN leader also criticised what he described as additional charges linked to empty container movement and storage, arguing that such operational costs should not be transferred to importers.
He further alleged that rising port charges are encouraging cargo diversion to neighbouring countries such as Benin Republic and Ghana, where clearance processes are cheaper.
Ajoku maintained that importers are not opposed to adjustments in principle but insisted that any shipping tariff hike must follow proper consultation and transparent engagement with stakeholders.
He warned that continued increases could fuel inflation and further strain consumers, as importers would ultimately pass higher costs on to end users.
