Nigeria’s sweeping tax reforms, which took effect on January 1, have triggered unease across the maritime sector, with freight forwarders warning that some shipping lines are already planning to raise charges, a move that could further increase costs at the ports.
Freight agents told local media that shipping companies have begun holding internal meetings to assess the impact of the new tax regime, raising concerns that higher levies could be passed on to importers and ultimately consumers.
The reforms, among the most extensive changes to Nigeria’s tax system in decades, are part of President Bola Tinubu’s broader fiscal agenda aimed at simplifying taxation, boosting revenue collection, expanding compliance and easing the burden on low-income earners. The government has said the measures are intended to modernise the tax framework and improve the country’s economic competitiveness.
Despite political controversy surrounding aspects of the legislative process, authorities reaffirmed January 1, 2026, as the implementation date.
Industry representatives say uncertainty over how the new rules will affect costs is already fuelling tension at the ports.
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Ugochukwu Nnadi, head of shipping, air and terminal logistics at the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders, said two shipping companies held meetings earlier this week to consider possible freight increases.
“They are meeting with plans to increase their freight charges because they don’t want to be caught unawares,” Nnadi said. “They haven’t even implemented the law, but preparations are already being made.”
Freight forwarders argue that shipping lines are acting pre-emptively, potentially compounding cost pressures in an industry already struggling with high charges and operational bottlenecks.
Abayomi Duyile, chairman of the Apapa chapter of the National Council of Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents, said the tax reforms would inevitably affect clearing operations, as most payments made during cargo clearance are supported by receipts that could now attract additional taxes.
“It is going to affect us,” Duyile said. “Shipping charges, terminal charges and other costs are all receipted. When you start taxing such payments, it will definitely have an impact.”
Duyile also criticised plans by some shipping companies to raise freight rates, warning that further increases could provoke resistance from industry players.
“They want to increase, and we are saying no,” he said, adding that agents had asked shipping lines to wait until later in January to allow for consultations with stakeholders. “If they increase, we are going to picket them, because the increments are getting too much. There was an increase last year, and it is already creating tension at the ports.”
Nigeria’s ports have long been criticised for high operating costs, with shipping fees, terminal charges and logistics expenses often cited as key contributors to inflationary pressures and reduced competitiveness.
Analysts say the success of the tax reforms will depend partly on how they are implemented and whether authorities can prevent excessive cost pass-throughs that could undermine trade and economic activity.
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For now, freight forwarders say they are bracing for difficult negotiations as shipping lines, agents and regulators seek to adjust to the new fiscal landscape without disrupting port operations or further escalating costs.
