Freight Forwarders Fault NSC Over Shipping Charges Hike, Issue Ultimatum

…As Council Orders MSC to Suspend Tariff

BY KESIENNA SHEPHERDS

The Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), Western Zone, in collaboration with the Association of Professional Freight Forwarders and Logistics of Nigeria (APFFLON) and other stakeholders, has faulted the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) over its handling of the recent hike in shipping charges, accusing the Council of failing to uphold its earlier commitment to suspend the increase and engage stakeholders in dialogue.

Stakeholders allege that shipping companies have gone ahead with the implementation of the charges without consultation, eroding trust and transparency in the port system. They also dismissed an unsigned press release circulating on social media, purportedly from the NSC, claiming suspension of the charges, noting that shipping companies had not received any official directive and as such has continued to enforce the new tariffs.

In the light of above, freight forwarders have sustained a second phase of service withdrawal and picketing of shipping companies. A release signed and made available by ANLCA Publicity Secretary, Emmanuel Onyeme on behalf of the associated  groups, Onyeme  issued a three-day ultimatum (March 23–25) for the NSC to convene a comprehensive stakeholders’ meeting; warning that failure to do so, would result in a total shutdown of port operations.

Meanwhile, in a bid to douse tensions, the NSC has formally written the Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), directing the shipping line to suspend implementation of its newly introduced tariff.

The letter, dated March 23, 2026, and titled “Re: Suspension of Tariff Approval” with reference number MSC/RSD/M4/044/VOL/124, was signed by Margaret Ogbonnah, Director of the Regulatory Services Department, on behalf of the Executive Secretary/CEO, Pius Akutah.

Addressed to MSC’s Managing Director, the Council instructed the company to maintain the current tariff regime until a stakeholders’ meeting is convened to deliberate on the proposed charges and their implications for port users.

“The Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) has formally requested your organisation to abide with current tariff suspension until NSC organizes a stakeholders meeting soonest. Please accept the assurances of the Executive Secretary/CEO’s esteemed regards,” the letter stated.

Despite the Council’s directive, freight forwarders have called on the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, to urgently intervene to prevent further escalation. They emphasized the need for the NSC to adopt a transparent, consultative approach similar to that of the Nigeria Customs Service.

While not opposed to legitimate charge adjustments, the freight forwarders insisted that due process and stakeholder consultation must be respected. They vowed to resist any attempt by shipping companies to impose charges without proper engagement.

The associations reiterated their commitment to lawful engagement and constructive dialogue, urging immediate roundtable discussions involving all stakeholders, including shipping companies and terminal operators.

The  groups in the statement stressed that failure to address their concerns would compel them to take necessary actions to protect their collective interests and the integrity of Nigeria’s maritime sector.