Echotitbits – Nigeria News

Tag: freight forwarders

  • Cargo Clearing Resumes as FAAN Reduces Tariffs Following Eight-Day Strike

    Cargo Clearing Resumes as FAAN Reduces Tariffs Following Eight-Day Strike

    According to an update by The Guardian, freight forwarders and cargo agents at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos have called off their week-long industrial action. The breakthrough came after the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) agreed to lower the proposed cargo tariff from N20 per kilogram to N15 per kg. This compromise follows an eight-day strike that had completely paralyzed clearing operations at the country’s busiest airport.

    The strike had led to a massive backlog of goods, including perishables and industrial raw materials, causing significant losses for importers. Frank Ogunojemite, President of the Africa Association of Professional Freight Forwarders & Logistics (APFFLON), confirmed that agents have been directed to resume duties immediately. While the new N15 rate is still an increase from the previous N7 per kg, the agents accepted it as a “middle ground” to allow business to continue.

    Validating the resolution, Vanguard reports that the agreement was brokered during a high-stakes meeting chaired by Lekan Thomas, FAAN’s Director of Cargo Development. The publication quotes Henry Agbebire, FAAN’s spokesperson: “The outcome reflects the spirit of dialogue and shared responsibility.” ThisDay added that ground handling companies like SAHCO and NAHCO have been put on high alert to handle the surge of clearing requests expected over the next 48 hours.

    Echotitbits take:

    The resolution of this strike is a relief for the supply chain, but the 114% hike (from N7 to N15) will inevitably be passed on to consumers. Expect a slight uptick in the price of imported air-freighted goods by the end of the month. The government is clearly looking for revenue, but at the risk of fueling inflation.

    Source: The Punch – https://punchng.com/faan-cargo-agents-reach-compromise-on-cargo-tariff/, February 11, 2026

    Photo credit: The Punch

  • Ports on edge as shipping lines weigh new charges under Nigeria’s tax reforms

    Ports on edge as shipping lines weigh new charges under Nigeria’s tax reforms

    2026-01-02 06:00:00
    In a report by Punch, freight forwarding groups say tension is rising at Nigeria’s ports as shipping lines consider higher freight-related charges following the rollout of new tax reforms from January 1, 2026.

    Industry operators warn that any sudden increase in port-related costs can ripple into inflation, import prices, and cargo diversion to neighbouring countries—especially at a time when businesses are still adapting to currency and cost pressures.

    Stakeholders are calling for clarity on how the new tax implementation applies across shipping, terminal logistics, and associated services, to avoid inconsistent billing and disputes.

    The Guardian reports that “increasing tariffs at this critical time will further escalate the cost of doing business at Nigerian ports” and could encourage cargo diversion. The Sun also reports a tariff-hike angle, noting the Shippers’ Council is set to review certain charges while approving an increase for shipping lines in early 2026.

    Echotitbits take: If port charges jump abruptly, consumers pay twice—at the checkout and through slower supply chains. Watch the Nigerian Shippers’ Council and Customs for harmonised guidance, and whether freight forwarders push for phased implementation or explicit exemptions to prevent surprise billing.

    Source: The Punch — January 2, 2026 (https://punchng.com/tax-reforms-spark-tension-as-shipping-lines-plan-hikes/)
    The Punch 2026-01-02

    Photo Credit: The Punch