SEREC Opposes Proposed Hike in Maritime Agent Licence Fees

The Sea Empowerment and Research Centre (SEREC) has strongly rejected the proposed increase in licence fees for maritime agents, warning that such a policy could harm Nigeria’s already fragile shipping and export industry. According to the organization, the planned hike, if implemented without adequate stakeholder consultation, would further burden operators struggling with high operational costs, infrastructure gaps, and volatile foreign exchange rates.

SEREC noted that maritime agents and exporters are already paying numerous levies and facing multiple regulatory charges, which make Nigerian ports among the most expensive in West Africa. The group cautioned that any additional financial obligations would push businesses to relocate their operations to neighboring countries like Ghana and Benin, where port charges are comparatively lower and trade facilitation is smoother. It emphasized that the government should instead focus on measures that will strengthen Nigeria’s competitiveness and attract more investment into the maritime sector.

In a statement issued by SEREC’s leadership, the group highlighted the critical role the shipping and export sector plays in generating foreign exchange and boosting economic growth. They urged regulators to explore alternatives such as improved port infrastructure, automation of processes, and harmonization of multiple taxes and levies, instead of imposing new financial burdens. According to SEREC, these reforms would be more effective in enhancing revenue generation and encouraging investment than fee hikes.

Industry stakeholders echoed SEREC’s concerns, warning that the proposed licence fee increment would have far-reaching implications for the economy. They argued that the move would not only drive up the cost of doing business but also negatively affect exporters, importers, and eventually consumers, as increased operational costs would likely be passed on in the form of higher prices for goods and services. This, they noted, could fuel inflation and reduce Nigeria’s competitiveness in the global market.

Analysts also added their voices, emphasizing that the maritime industry is central to the country’s diversification agenda and efforts to boost non-oil exports. They suggested that rather than implementing costlier regulatory policies, authorities should focus on creating an enabling environment that promotes ease of doing business. Investment in port modernization, digitalization, and improved logistics infrastructure would attract foreign direct investment while strengthening Nigeria’s status as a maritime hub in Africa.

SEREC called on the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy to intervene and halt the proposed fee increase pending extensive consultation with stakeholders. The group maintained that participatory policy-making is critical in ensuring that industry operators are not unduly burdened by regulatory changes. SEREC stressed that indigenous shipowners, small-scale exporters, and maritime agents who operate on slim margins could be driven out of business if such fee hikes are enforced.

Moreover, SEREC underscored that the cumulative effect of such a policy would have ripple effects across multiple sectors of the economy. With trade being a key driver of employment and revenue, any policy that hampers shipping and export activities could lead to job losses, reduced foreign exchange earnings, and diminished government revenue in the long term. The group recommended that the government explore innovative revenue models that encourage compliance while maintaining fair and transparent cost structures.

As debates on the proposed fee increase continue, stakeholders are hopeful that authorities will reconsider the plan in favor of sustainable measures that support industry growth. The maritime sector, they argue, is too important to Nigeria’s economy to be stifled by poorly timed and excessive regulatory costs.

In conclusion, SEREC reiterated its commitment to working with the government and relevant stakeholders to develop policies that balance revenue generation with trade facilitation. It emphasized that only through collaboration, infrastructure improvement, and regulatory efficiency can Nigeria realize its full potential as a global maritime powerhouse.