Palpable tension grips Nigeria’s maritime sector as the Federal Government’s new tax regime, set to commence on January 1, 2026, threatens to spark a Nigeria shipping strike over new tax regime. Freight forwarding practitioners are expressing significant fears regarding the policy’s implementation, with reports indicating that major shipping companies are already convening meetings to discuss potential increases in freight charges. This looming industrial action could severely disrupt port operations, inflate import costs, and exacerbate existing congestion, casting a long shadow over the nation’s economic stability and trade competitiveness.
What is Nigeria’s new tax regime? The Federal Government’s comprehensive overhaul of Nigeria’s tax system, effective January 1, 2026, aims to simplify taxation, promote economic growth, expand the tax net, improve compliance, and reduce the burden on low-income earners, as part of President Bola Tinubu’s fiscal policy.
This far-reaching reform represents one of the most significant changes to Nigeria’s tax system in decades. The administration of President Bola Tinubu champions the initiative as a critical component of a broader fiscal policy designed to modernize the country’s tax structure, enhance revenue collection efficiency, and strengthen Nigeria’s economic competitiveness on the global stage. This ambitious change, however, directly fuels the concerns leading to a potential Nigeria shipping strike over new tax regime.
The maritime industry, a cornerstone of Nigeria’s economy, finds itself at the forefront of this impending change. Stakeholders are particularly concerned about how this new fiscal landscape will directly impact operational costs, potentially escalating into a Nigeria shipping strike.
Ugochukwu Nnadi, Head of Department, Shipping, Air and Terminal Logistics at the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders, confirmed that some shipping companies have already begun consultations to adjust their charges in anticipation of the new regime. Nnadi disclosed that at least two major shipping companies held meetings just recently, specifically to discuss possible fare increases. Their rationale is clear: to avoid being caught off guard by the new tax burdens. Understanding how will Tinubu’s tax policy affect shipping is crucial for all involved parties, especially in preventing a full-blown Nigeria shipping strike over new tax regime.
The Apapa Chapter Chairman of the National Council of Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents, Abayomi Duyile, further elaborated on the direct impact on freight forwarders and clearing agents. He explained that a significant portion of the money spent on clearing goods involves various receipts, including shipping, terminal, and other charges. Imposing additional taxes on these existing charges, a direct consequence of the new tax regime, will undeniably affect their operational expenses and, consequently, the final cost of goods.
Duyile issued a stern warning that these additional taxes on current port charges could lead to an exponential increase in the cost of doing business at Nigeria’s seaports. This scenario could severely cripple small and medium-sized enterprises reliant on imports and exports. The discussion around Nigeria old tax regime vs new highlights the potential for significant disruption, making a Nigeria shipping strike over new tax regime a very real threat.
Criticism also mounted against the reported plans by shipping companies to raise freight charges, with Duyile describing the move as premature and provocative. He advocated for a period of dialogue, urging shipping lines to wait until the fourth week of January for collective discussions with members of the council. This call for negotiation underscores the industry’s desire for a collaborative solution rather than unilateral decisions that could lead to a Nigeria shipping strike.
The threat of industrial action looms large. Duyile explicitly warned of possible picketing if shipping companies proceed with their planned increases, citing that increments have become “too much” and have already caused tension at the ports in the past year. This indicates a history of strained relations and a low tolerance for further cost burdens, making a shipping strike vs port congestion Nigeria a very real and immediate concern, directly linked to the new tax regime.
Stakeholders across the maritime sector are united in their fear that any immediate hike in freight charges, compounded by the new tax regime, could trigger a cascade of negative effects. These include worsening port congestion, a substantial rise in import costs, and an overall strain on port operations in the weeks and months to come. The implications of the new tax regime are far-reaching, demanding careful consideration.
The broader economic implications extend beyond the ports. Increased import costs, fueled by the new tax regime, will inevitably translate to higher prices for consumers, potentially fueling inflation and reducing purchasing power. This could negatively impact the livelihoods of ordinary Nigerians and slow down economic recovery efforts. Therefore, the government’s objectives of promoting economic growth and reducing the burden on low-income earners must be carefully balanced against the immediate challenges posed by the new tax regime.
As the January 1, 2026, deadline approaches, all eyes remain on the dialogue between the government, shipping lines, and freight forwarders. The ability to navigate these complex discussions will determine whether the new tax regime successfully achieves its ambitious goals without precipitating a costly Nigeria shipping strike over new tax regime that could cripple a vital sector of the national
