Nigeria’s maritime sector is facing fresh uncertainty following the introduction of new surcharges on cargo shipments destined for the country, a development that industry stakeholders warn could disrupt trade flows and increase the cost of goods.
Experts in the shipping and logistics industry say the additional charges could trigger a ripple effect across Nigeria’s import-dependent economy, raising freight costs, increasing retail prices and potentially reducing cargo volumes entering the country’s ports.
The concerns come as global maritime trade routes remain under pressure due to rising geopolitical tensions affecting key shipping corridors connecting the Middle East, Africa and Asia.
Maritime stakeholders raise alarm over $4,000 cargo surcharge
Industry operators say maritime stakeholders raise alarm over $4,000 cargo surcharge recently introduced by global shipping giant MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company for cargo shipments moving from parts of the Middle East to several destinations across Africa.
The company announced the new war risk surcharge in response to growing security concerns affecting major international shipping routes, particularly those linked to the Gulf region.
According to the shipping line, the additional charges apply to cargo transported from the Arabian Peninsula, including countries such as Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Kuwait to West African and East African markets.
Under the revised pricing structure, cargo owners are expected to pay $2,000 for 20-foot containers, $3,000 for 40-foot containers, and up to $4,000 for refrigerated containers, commonly known as reefers.
The shipping company attributed the surcharge to the evolving security situation in critical maritime corridors such as the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, which connect the Middle East to global shipping lanes.
According to the company, disruptions in these waterways have forced shipping lines to review operational risks and introduce temporary measures to safeguard vessels, crew and cargo.
Security tensions disrupt global shipping routes
Industry analysts say the new surcharge reflects growing concerns within the global shipping community about the safety of vessels operating in high-risk maritime zones.
The affected routes serve as key transit corridors linking oil-producing countries in the Gulf to global markets.
Heightened geopolitical tensions in the region have increased insurance premiums for shipping companies, with several insurers reportedly reassessing coverage for vessels operating near conflict-prone areas.
As a result, shipping lines have begun passing some of these additional costs on to cargo owners through surcharges.
Experts say the development could have far-reaching consequences for Nigeria, which relies heavily on maritime transport for the movement of goods and commodities.
Import costs and cargo volumes may decline
Shipping experts warn that the surcharge could significantly affect cargo traffic into Nigeria’s seaports.
Former acting National President of the National Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents, Kayode Farinto, said shipping companies are likely to adopt the surcharge widely due to the rising risks associated with transporting goods through conflict-affected routes.
According to him, shipping operators cannot absorb the extra costs linked to insurance premiums and longer shipping routes.
Farinto explained that some vessels may be forced to avoid certain maritime corridors entirely, opting for longer routes that increase operational expenses.
He warned that the development could result in higher freight charges, reduced cargo volumes and rising prices of imported goods.
“Anyone bringing goods into the country will factor in the additional costs, including insurance and freight, which will eventually be transferred to consumers,” he said.
Economic implications for Nigeria’s trade sector
Economic analysts say the surcharge could weaken trade activity in Nigeria if shipping costs continue to rise.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise, Muda Yusuf, noted that increased freight costs could discourage importers and exporters from engaging in certain trade transactions.
According to him, businesses may find it difficult to remain profitable if logistics costs rise significantly.
“If the cost of transporting goods rises dramatically, many trade activities may no longer be economically viable,” Yusuf said.
He added that reduced cargo volumes would directly affect port operations, potentially leading to lower revenues for maritime service providers and fewer employment opportunities across the sector.
Export competitiveness under pressure
Manufacturers and exporters have also expressed concern about the potential impact of the new charges on Nigeria’s non-oil export sector.
The Secretary of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria Export Group, Benedict Obhiosa, warned that higher shipping costs could reduce the competitiveness of Nigerian products in international markets.
Exporters already face logistical and infrastructure challenges, and the new surcharge could further raise the cost of transporting goods abroad.
Obhiosa said some exporters may explore alternative transportation options, including road routes to neighbouring countries, in order to reduce shipping expenses.
However, he noted that such alternatives may not fully compensate for the challenges posed by higher maritime freight charges.
Freight forwarders warn of wider economic impact
The Africa Association of Professional Freight Forwarders and Logistics of Nigeria also expressed concern about the implications of the surcharge for Nigeria’s economy.
The group’s National President, Frank Ogunojemite, described the additional shipping cost as a major shock that could exacerbate existing economic pressures.
According to him, Nigeria conducts more than 80 percent of its international trade through maritime transport, making the country particularly vulnerable to disruptions in global shipping routes.
Ogunojemite warned that the surcharge could trigger increases in the prices of essential commodities such as food items, frozen products and pharmaceutical supplies, many of which are transported in refrigerated containers.
Calls for government intervention
Stakeholders in the maritime sector have urged the Federal Government and industry regulators to engage shipping companies and international maritime organisations to address the issue.
Industry experts believe diplomatic and regulatory intervention may help mitigate the impact of the surcharge on Nigerian trade.
They also emphasised the need for stronger collaboration between government agencies and global shipping lines to ensure that Nigerian businesses are not disproportionately affected by global maritime disruptions.
While the surcharge is expected to remain in place until security conditions improve, analysts say the development highlights the vulnerability of global supply chains to geopolitical instability.
For Nigeria, whose economy relies heavily on maritime trade, the coming months may determine whether the new cargo charges become a temporary adjustment or a longer-term challenge for importers, exporters and consumers.
