**Shipping Fears Rise as Yemen Ports Face Steep Fee Hike Amid Iran Tensions** In the midst of the escalating conflict between the United States and Israel and Iran, Yemen's ports are bracing for significant economic shocks. Reports indicate that shipping companies have imposed a substantial fee of about $3,000 on each container destined for Yemen, citing "war risk" as the reason. This sudden development has sent shockwaves through the country, where nearly 90% of food and essential commodities are imported. Economists and humanitarian groups are warning that this fee hike could lead to a sharp increase in prices for fuel, food, and other essential goods. This would only exacerbate the dire humanitarian situation in Yemen, where millions have been displaced and thousands have lost their lives in the ongoing conflict. The Yemeni government, based in Aden, has taken a strong stance against the imposition of these fees. Transport Minister Mohsen al-Amri has instructed that ships already docked at Yemeni ports or those bound for the country should not be required to pay the fees. He argued that Yemen's ports are far from areas of geopolitical tension in the Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz, making it unjustified to impose these fees. The conflict in Yemen has been ongoing for over a decade, with the Saudi-backed government on one side and the Iran-aligned Houthi movement on the other. This has led to one of the world's worst humanitarian crises, with millions displaced and thousands killed. The imposition of these fees on shipping companies could further worsen the situation, making it even more challenging for aid to reach those in need. As the world watches the escalating tensions between the US, Israel, and Iran, the impact on Yemen is likely to be significant. The fee hike on shipping companies could lead to higher prices for essential goods, further straining an already fragile economy. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how the Yemeni government and international community will respond to this latest challenge. In Nigeria, we have a similar experience with the economic impact of conflicts in our region. The Boko Haram insurgency in the North-East has led to disruptions in food supply and price hikes, affecting millions of Nigerians. The situation in Yemen serves as a reminder of the far-reaching consequences of conflicts and the need for international cooperation to mitigate their effects.