Clearing Agents Demand Port Tariff Review, Say Hikes Killing Trade, Crippling Indigenous Operators

Concerned stakeholders in Nigeria’s freight forwarding and clearing sector have unanimously called for an urgent review of the current tariff structure, stricter enforcement of local content laws, and the introduction of new regulations to create a more balanced and inclusive operating environment.

The stakeholders, who spoke during a media engagement in Lagos on Wednesday, warned that the persistent hike in tariffs is stifling trade, discouraging indigenous participation, and worsening economic hardship across the country.
Speaking on behalf of the group, a private practitioner, Kenneth Ofurum, said the current tariff regime has made it increasingly difficult for clearing agents and importers to operate, noting that many businesses are shutting down due to rising costs.

He stressed that government policies must be implemented with a “human face,” adding that the current approach to revenue generation is placing undue pressure on operators and ultimately being passed on to consumers through higher prices of goods and services.

According to him, the hike in tariffs has led to a surge in unclaimed and overtime cargo at the ports, as many importers are unable to meet the financial demands required to clear their goods.

“If Nigerians are given level-headed policy and effective regulation, they will go very far. We are happy that the institution traditionally responsible for regulating import duties, the Customs is today being headed by a core customs officer.

“We now have someone who can properly interpret the clauses and rules of freight. That is why we are saying things must be fair. The government should not, in its bid to generate revenue, make duties so unaffordable that goods end up in overtime and expire in warehouses and unable to reach the market.

“So we are saying, let the tariff be scaled down. We are ready to give every support if it comes within an affordable range. The message is for the authorities involved, including Customs, the Minister of Trade, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to take note,” he said.

Ofurum also raised concerns over what he described as the systematic sidelining of indigenous operators, alleging that foreign interests are increasingly taking over roles traditionally reserved for Nigerians in the clearing and forwarding value chain.

He emphasized that the industry, which cuts across logistics, documentation, marine services, and legal operations, has historically provided employment for thousands of Nigerians, warning that continued neglect of local content could further worsen unemployment.

The stakeholders therefore urged the government to enforce existing local content laws that prioritize indigenous participation, while also developing new policies that will protect local operators from unfair competition.
They further called for inclusive policy formulation, stressing that critical stakeholders must be carried along in the design and implementation of major reforms, including digital platforms such as the National Single Window
.
Also speaking, Managing Director of Harsecom Logistics Limited, Aare Haruna Omolajumo, underscored the need for deliberate government policies that would guarantee local participation in maritime business.

He noted that in other countries, including Ghana, foreign companies are required to partner with local operators, ensuring that a significant share of business activities remains within the domestic economy.

Omolajumo lamented that the absence of such structured policies in Nigeria has allowed foreign firms and concessionaires to dominate the sector, often to the detriment of local businesses.

He also highlighted the sharp increase in port-related charges, revealing that costs which were previously within tens of thousands of naira have now escalated to hundreds of thousands, making it difficult for smaller operators to remain in business.

Speaking, he said: “The terminal operators specifically, they do not allow agents or anyone into the terminal because they don’t even have adequate equipment. That is why they limit the number of trucks they allow in daily and nobody questions them. I do not believe there is no congestion there.

“If in January you loaded 100 trucks, in February 300, and in March 500, then you are genuinely helping to ease congestion. But when you allow only 10 trucks in January and leave thousands waiting outside without giving them access cards, while claiming you are decongesting, that is not decongestion, that is punishment.
“And do you know why they do this? To increase their revenue. The longer your container sits in the port, the more you pay a minimum of ₦65,000 per day. If you have 10 containers, that is ₦650,000 per day. That is how they squeeze Nigerians. And do you know that demurrage has already been factored into the shipping tariff from origin? The freight from China to Lomé is about $2,000. From China to Lagos it is $6,000 to $7,000. Lomé is roughly the same distance, a difference of less than one hour by sea. So why the gap? Bad rules, lopsided handling, and corrupt officials who make life impossible for ordinary people.”

The stakeholders maintained that while government has the responsibility to generate revenue, such efforts must not undermine trade facilitation or cripple indigenous enterprises.
They called for a balanced approach that supports economic growth, protects local content, and ensures that Nigeria’s maritime sector remains competitive and sustainable.