The Importers Association of Nigeria (IMAN) has rejected the latest increase in port tariffs and terminal charges by shipping lines and terminal operators, warning that the development could deepen economic hardship, discourage investment, and further undermine Nigeria’s competitiveness in regional trade.

The association’s Board of Trustees and its branches across the 36 states and the FCT, at a press conference held in Lagos on Wednesday, described the tariff hike as unjustifiable and insensitive to the economic realities confronting importers and ordinary Nigerians.

The conference jointly addressed by IMAN Chairman, Joseph Ozurumba Ajoku, and National Secretary-General, Aliyu Ahmed Yar’adua disclosed that import businesses are already struggling with rising operational costs, unstable foreign exchange rates, inflationary pressures, and declining consumer purchasing power, noting that the fresh charges would worsen the cost of imported goods and increase pressure on businesses dependent on maritime trade.

“Clearing a 20-foot container in Benin Republic costs between N7 million and N8 million, compared to between N14 million and N15 million at Apapa Port.

“Similarly, the clearance cost for a 40-foot container in Benin Republic ranges from N13 million to N14 million, while the same process costs about N19 million to N20 million in Apapa,” they added.

They criticised the Nigerian Shippers’ Council for approving the tariff increase without adequate consultation with importers and other stakeholders directly affected by the policy.

According to the Chairman and National Secretary, importers are key contributors to government revenue through customs duties and port-related activities, adding that excessive charges could negatively affect cargo throughput and reduce overall revenue generation within the maritime sector.

“We are questioning the operational efficiency of multinational shipping lines operating in Nigeria, because their service delivery standards have not improved enough to justify another increase in tariffs.

“We want to also highlight the growing competitiveness of neighbouring ports in Benin Republic, Ghana and Togo, where port charges and cargo clearance costs are significantly lower.

The group also warned that the widening gap in charges between Nigerian ports and neighbouring countries was encouraging importers to divert cargo operations outside Nigeria, a trend it said could lead to reduced port activity, loss of jobs, and declining foreign direct investment.

The association also raised concerns over alleged unapproved charges imposed by shipping companies and terminal operators, including delays in refunding container deposits and extra fees related to the movement of empty containers to holding bays.

They maintained that importers already pay transfer and storage fees after cargo delivery and should not be subjected to additional financial burdens outside approved regulatory guidelines.

According to IMAN, the cumulative effect of rising port charges could trigger business closures, capital losses, inflationary increases, and a decline in Nigeria’s reputation as a high-cost destination for maritime trade.

“Despite rejecting the tariff increase, we expressed our readiness to engage regulators and industry stakeholders in constructive dialogue aimed at improving operational efficiency and ensuring a transparent and balanced tariff regime,” they said.

The group however urged the Nigerian Shippers’ Council to enforce strict compliance with economic regulations and ensure that future tariff reviews are preceded by proper consultations and measurable improvements in service delivery. (Daily Trust)