The Nigerian Shippers’ Council has explained that the tariff review by the West African Container Terminal in Onne, River State, was duly approved, stressing that the review was conducted following rigorous assessment processes.
The PUNCH reported on Monday that WACT has concluded plans to increase its tariff effective April 1, 2025.
The terminal stated that it has got the necessary approvals from relevant agencies to adjust both terminal handling charges and storage charges.
It added that the THC will be adjusted by eight per cent while the storage charge will be adjusted by 100 per cent.
Reacting to this, the NSC, in a notice on Monday, explained that it approved the review to ensure that the rates remain within the acceptable industry benchmark and align with prevailing economic realities.
“The tariff increment implemented by WACT was duly reviewed and approved by the NSC. The review was conducted following rigorous assessment processes to ensure that the rates remain within the acceptable industry benchmark and align with prevailing economic realities. It is pertinent to note that the NSC, in its regulatory capacity, ensures that all approved tariff adjustments are fair, justifiable, and sustainable for both service providers and port users,” Ogbonna said.
She added that as the economic regulator of the port sector, the council considers it necessary to set the record straight and provide clarifications to avoid any misinformation.
According to her, before the implementation of the new tariff structure, the terminal operator had engaged extensively with the leadership of registered clearing agents in Onne, including the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents, the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders, the Association of Registered Freight Forwarders of Nigeria, and the National Council of Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents, among others.
She added that the discussions led to a mutual agreement that the implementation would be phased to ease the impact on port users.
Ogbonna mentioned that in adherence to the agreement, the terminal operator initially implemented the first phase of the tariff increment, which was accepted by the service users.
“Following due consultations and considerations, the final phase of the agreed increment was scheduled for implementation after a one-month and two-week notice period given to stakeholders, ensuring transparency and adequate preparation,” she explained.
Ogbonna highlighted that the NSC remains committed to its mandate of ensuring fair and competitive practices in the port sector “while balancing the interests of terminal operators and port users”.
She concluded by urging stakeholders to engage constructively and by regulatory frameworks to enhance efficiency in our port operations.
