Senate Committee On Marine Transport Supports Shippers’ Council Freight Fee Proposal

By Roland Ekama

The Senate Committee on Marine Transport paid an oversight visit to the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) headquarters in Apapa Lagos on Thursday, led by Chairman Senator Wasiu Eshilokun Sanni. The visit was part of the Committee’s mandate to supervise and support the maritime sector’s regulatory agencies.

During the visit, the Committee inspected ongoing and completed projects at Shippers’ Towers, including the newly renovated board room which was officially commissioned by Senator Eshilokun.

The Executive Secretary and CEO of the Council, Dr. Akutah Pius Ukeyima, expressed satisfaction with the cooperative relationship between the Council and the National Assembly.

Dr. Akutah highlighted that the Council has played a pivotal role in regulating tariffs, coordinating pricing mechanisms, and improving transparency in the maritime sector.

He underscored the Council’s efforts in reducing logistics costs and enhancing trade facilitation.

 

Several infrastructure upgrades aimed at boosting safety and operational efficiency at the Council’s headquarters were also showcased, including sewage system improvements, the realignment of service cables, roofing of the generator platform, and plans for an in-house medical laboratory to complement the existing clinic.

A significant focus of the meeting was on the financial framework supporting the Council’s mandate.

The Executive Secretary pointed out that the current funding via the 7 percent Port Development Levy (PDL) lacks firm legislative backing, which undermines financial stability.

He emphasized the critical need for the Nigerian Port Economic Regulation Act (NIPERA) Bill to be enacted swiftly, a development expected to solidify the Council’s regulatory powers and investor confidence.

Most notably, Dr. Akutah championed the 1 percent Freight Stabilization Fee, a statutory charge established under existing laws, describing it not as a tax but a service charge essential to sustaining regulatory functions such as tariff monitoring, dispute resolution, and cargo protection.

He assured the Marine Transport Committee that this fee is fully consistent with the Nigerian Tax Administration Act 2025 and aligns with international best practices under the World Trade Organization (WTO)Trade Facilitation Agreement.

He said 2 percent of the port Levy is used to fund the council, while the national Assembly in 2025 passed the 1 Percent freight fee .

Dr. Akutah lauded the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, CON, and the Senate Committee for their unwavering support in ensuring the bill’s passage and financial independence for the Council.

Similarly, Rotimi Anifowoshe , Director Strategic Planning and Research Department,NSC called on the senates to look inward and support the council for the passage of the International Cargo Tracking Note (ICTN).

Senator Eshilokun and other Committee members commended the Council’s transparency and efforts to unlock the potentials of Nigeria’s marine and blue economy, pledging continued legislative support.

Eshilokun said the council plays pivotal role in the maritime industry adding that the committee is determined to ensure that the council excel in it’s mandates.

He stressed that the lawmakers,the NSC and stakeholders will continue to work closely for the industry growth.

 

The oversight visit underscored the Senate’s commitment to fostering a competitive and well-regulated maritime sector that supports Nigeria’s growing trade under the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA).