The Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) has instructed shipping companies and their agents to suspend the implementation of the newly approved shipping tariffs with immediate effect.

The directive was issued by the council’s management and shared with journalists in Lagos on Friday. The move comes as the council continues discussions with stakeholders over the recently introduced charges.

According to the NSC, the consultations are focused on addressing concerns about the timing of the tariffs, their structure, and how they could affect port users as well as logistics operations across the maritime sector.

The council explained that pausing the rollout of the new tariffs is necessary to maintain fairness, transparency, and stability within the industry. It added that the goal is to ensure that all operators and stakeholders are in agreement before any revised tariff system is implemented.

As part of the directive, shipping operators have been asked to return to the previously existing tariff structure and apply it strictly.

The council warned that any operator who fails to comply with the earlier tariff regime would be considered to have violated regulatory guidelines and could face sanctions under the law.

A spokesperson for the council noted that protecting cargo owners and ensuring a balanced and efficient maritime transport system remain top priorities for the regulator.

The NSC also stated that it would announce its final position after completing consultations and internal reviews. In the meantime, operators have been urged to comply fully and immediately with the directive.

The suspension of the new tariffs will remain in place until the consultation process is concluded and a full regulatory assessment is completed.