Customs Brokers, Freight Forwarders Call for Sack of Akutah, NSC Boss

BY GBOGBOWA GBOWA

Customs brokers under the umbrella of the Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), alongside sister associations consisting of freight forwarders, have demanded the immediate removal of the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Barr. Akutah Pius Ukeyima, MON.

The call follows his alleged collusion with shipping companies to approve steep increments in shipping charges without stakeholder consultation. It will be recalled that the matter got to a head yesterday as the Lagos zonal headquarters staged a massive protest at the premises of MSC Shipping regarding the contentious charges.

On Monday, operations at the Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) office in Apapa were abruptly shut down by angry clearing agents protesting the new tariffs. The revised charges include:

-Import Documentation Fee (20ft containers): From ₦45,000 to ₦58,500

-Import Documentation Fee (40ft containers):  From ₦72,000 to ₦93,600

-Port Additional Charges (20ft containers):  From ₦50,000 to ₦80,000

-Port Additional Charges (40ft containers): From ₦100,000 to ₦160,000

There are indications that despite a 45-minute dialogue between ANLCA, NAGAFF (National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders), APFFLON (African Association of Professional Freight Forwarders and Logistics of Nigeria), and MSC executives, the meeting ended in a deadlock. MSC’s Africa Regional Controller for Finance and Administration, Mr. Jesse Chege, insisted the increases were justified, citing rising operational costs and confirming that NSC had approved the new charges in December 2025.

Freight forwarders expressed outrage that NSC failed to convene any stakeholder engagement before granting such approval. ANLCA President, Mr. Emenike Nwokeoji, speaking through the association’s spokesman, Emmanuel Onyeme, declared that Akutah had “failed Nigeria” and should be sacked immediately.

“On what grounds can the Executive Secretary of NSC authorize shipping companies to increase charges without consultation? The Shippers’ Council under his leadership has not addressed critical issues such as MSC’s chaotic container refund system or the indiscriminate use of trucks as holding bays for days. Instead, he has endorsed increments that burden Nigerians,” Onyeme stated.

Western Zone Coordinator of ANLCA, Alhaji Femi Anifowose, recalled that shipping lines had already raised tariffs by over 400 percent in 2023. He questioned the rationale for further hikes despite relative stability in key cost drivers like diesel prices and foreign exchange rates.

“This increment is unjustifiable. It will cascade into higher import costs, ultimately punishing Nigerian consumers,” Anifowose warned.

Similarly, NAGAFF Tincan Chapter Chairman, Dr. Emeka Paul Chiedozie, condemned MSC’s refund policy, describing it as the worst among shipping companies. He revealed that refunds often take over three months, even after containers are returned, yet the company continues to raise charges.

“We are saying a big no to this increment. We will escalate this matter with the Shippers’ Council,” Chiedozie affirmed.

The associations unanimously demanded that the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy relieve Akutah of his position, insisting he has added “no value” since assuming office.

The protest was attended by key industry leaders including ANLCA Western Zone Secretary, Alhaji Idowu Owoade; ANLCA Tincan Island Port Chairman, Prince Olawale Cole; KLT Chapter Chairman, Chief Ahmed Olajide Bello; former ANLCA Tin Can Chairman, Mr. Ojo Peter Akintoye; and APFFLON Tincan Chairman, Alhaji Akeem Ayobiojo.

Efforts to reach Akutah for comment proved unsuccessful, but NSC spokesperson, Mrs. Rebecca Adamu, disclosed that stakeholder engagement is being planned on the matter.