NAGAFF raises concerns over unilateral increase in Shipping charges
NAGAFF raises concerns over Unilateral Increase in Shipping Charges
By Babatunde Aremu
The National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) has raised concerns over what it described as an arbitrary and non-consensual increase in shipping charges by some shipping companies operating in Nigeria.
In a letter dated March 4, 2026 and signed by the National coordinator, NAGAFF 100% Compliance team, Hon Ibrahim Tanko ,addressed to the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, the association criticized the immediate implementation of revised shipping charges without proper consultation with stakeholders in the maritime and logistics industry.
According to NAGAFF, the sudden adjustment in tariffs was carried out without prior notice, transparency, or adherence to the statutory frameworks that regulate maritime and logistics operations. The association noted that such actions depart from established administrative procedures and could disrupt the balance within the supply chain.
The group further argued that the increase lacks the usual justification provided through economic impact assessments and stakeholder engagement. It also pointed out that affected service users were not adequately notified and that the process did not involve regulatory bodies or follow industry-standard protocols.
NAGAFF warned that bypassing the mandatory approval channels may undermine the stability of the maritime trade environment and could violate competition laws as well as consumer protection regulations.
The association also expressed disappointment with the Shipping Companies Association of Nigeria (SCAN), which it said had earlier promised to engage relevant stakeholders before implementing any increase in shipping charges but failed to do so before the latest adjustment.
NAGAFF urged the relevant authorities, particularly the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, to address the issue in order to ensure fairness, transparency, and compliance with established procedures within the maritime sector.
