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Tension is mounting within Nigeria’s maritime sector following the Federal Government’s implementation of sweeping tax reforms, as freight forwarders raise concerns over planned increases in shipping charges.
Industry operators who spoke with The PUNCH disclosed that several shipping lines have begun holding internal meetings ahead of possible fare hikes, barely days after the new tax regime took effect on Thursday, January 1, 2026.
Major Tax Overhaul Takes Effect
From January 1, 2026, the Federal Government commenced a comprehensive overhaul of Nigeria’s tax system—one of the most significant reforms in decades. The policy aims to simplify taxation, stimulate economic growth, widen the tax net, improve compliance, and reduce the burden on low-income earners.
The reforms form part of a broader fiscal strategy under President Bola Tinubu’s administration to modernise the tax framework, boost revenue collection efficiency, and strengthen Nigeria’s economic competitiveness. Despite political debates surrounding legislative documentation, the government reaffirmed the January 1 implementation date.
Shipping Lines Already Making Moves
Commenting on the impact of the reforms on the maritime industry, the Head of Department, Shipping, Air and Terminal Logistics at the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), Mr Ugochukwu Nnadi, revealed that some shipping companies have already begun strategising.
“Two different shipping companies met on Tuesday. They are making plans to increase their freight charges because nobody wants to be caught unawares. Even before full implementation, they have started positioning themselves,” Nnadi said.
Freight Forwarders Warn of Rising Costs
Similarly, the Apapa Chapter Chairman of the National Council of Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents (NCMDLCA), Mr Abayomi Duyile, warned that the tax reforms would have a direct impact on clearing operations at the ports.
“It is definitely going to affect us. Most of the money spent on clearing goods comes with receipts—shipping charges, terminal charges, and others. Once those payments are taxed, the overall cost will rise,” he explained.
Threat of Protest Looms
Duyile also opposed the proposed freight increases by shipping companies, describing them as excessive and poorly timed.
“They want to increase charges, and we are saying no. They should wait until the fourth week of January so we can meet and discuss with our members. If they go ahead, we will picket them. There was an increment last year, and it is already creating tension at the ports,” he warned.
As the new tax regime settles in, stakeholders in the maritime industry appear braced for further confrontations, with freight forwarders urging caution to prevent additional pressure on port operations and the wider economy.
