There was palpable tension in the nation’s maritime sector on Thursday, as freight forwarding practitioners expressed fears over the implementation of the Federal Government’s new tax regime, which took effect on January 1, 2026.
Some freight agents who spoke with journalists on Thursday said the policy had already triggered reactions among shipping lines, with reports that some companies were holding meetings over possible increases in freight charges.
Naijaonpoint reports that from January 1, 2026, the Federal Government commenced a comprehensive overhaul of Nigeria’s tax system, one of the most far-reaching reforms in decades.
According to the government, the new tax regime is aimed at simplifying taxation, promoting economic growth, expanding the tax net, improving compliance and reducing the burden on low-income earners.
The reform is part of a broader fiscal policy initiative under President Bola Tinubu to modernise the country’s tax structure, enhance revenue collection efficiency and strengthen Nigeria’s economic competitiveness.
Despite some political controversy surrounding legislative documentation, the Federal Government reaffirmed January 1, 2026, as the official commencement date for the reforms.
Commenting on the impact of the tax reforms on the maritime industry, the Head of Department, Shipping, Air and Terminal Logistics at the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders, Ugochukwu Nnadi, disclosed that some shipping companies had begun consultations aimed at adjusting their charges.
Nnadi said two shipping companies held meetings on Tuesday to discuss possible fare increases.
“They are meeting with plans to increase their freight charges because they wouldn’t like to be caught unawares. Nobody wants to be caught unawares,” he told The PUNCH.
“They haven’t implemented the law, and they have already started manipulating it, so nobody would want to be caught unawares. They are making preparations about it.”
Tax Policy Will Affect Operations – Agents
Also speaking, the Apapa Chapter Chairman of the National Council of Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents, Abayomi Duyile, said the new tax policy would have a direct impact on freight forwarders and clearing agents.
“It is going to affect us. You know most of the money we spend on clearing goods comes with receipts, like shipping, terminal and other charges. So when you tax such money, it is definitely going to affect us,” Duyile said.
He warned that additional taxes on existing port charges could further raise the cost of doing business at the nation’s seaports.
Duyile also criticised the reported plans by some shipping companies to raise freight charges, describing the move as premature and provocative.
“They want to increase, and we are saying no, that they should wait till the fourth week in January. Let’s meet and discuss with our members,” he said.
Warning of possible industrial action, he added, “If they increase, we are going to picket them, because the increment is getting too much. They did an increment last year; it is creating tension at the ports.”
Stakeholders in the maritime sector fear that any immediate increase in freight charges, combined with the new tax regime, could worsen congestion, raise import costs and further strain port operations in the coming weeks.