Agents Close Shipping Firm Over Increased Freight Charges

Maritime agents on Monday shut down operations at the Apapa office of Mediterranean Shipping Company following a recent increase in freight charges, warning that the move would worsen inflationary pressures in an already fragile economy.

The action was carried out by agents operating across the maritime sector, including members of the African Association of Professional Freight Forwarders and Logistics of Nigeria and the Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agents, Western Zone. The agents gathered in large numbers at the shipping company’s office, insisting that operations remain suspended from 6 a.m. on Tuesday until the charges are reversed to previous levels.

According to the protesting agents, the rising accumulation of port-related fees is steadily driving up import costs, with the final burden expected to fall on consumers.

Speaking after the shutdown, the National President of the African Association of Professional Freight Forwarders and Logistics of Nigeria, Frank Ogunojemite, blamed the Nigerian Shippers’ Council for what he described as a failure to adequately regulate the sector. He warned that the council’s office could also be shut if the issue remains unresolved.

Ogunojemite said agents had already written to the Presidency and alleged compromises within the regulatory framework, adding that further actions would be considered after consultations. He stressed that unchecked increases across the industry were fuelling inflation and placing unnecessary strain on businesses and consumers.

Meanwhile, the Sea Empowerment Research Centre described the ongoing industrial actions as a reflection of deeper structural problems within Nigeria’s port cost system. In a position paper signed by its Head of Research, Eugene Nweke, the group acknowledged that concerns over arbitrary and excessive tariff increases were valid but cautioned that protest methods should align with global best practices in industrial relations.

Nweke, a former president of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders, argued that the industry’s core challenge lies in weak regulation and poor stakeholder engagement. He called for intelligent advocacy, stronger regulatory accountability, and institutional reforms rather than disruptive shutdowns.

Also reacting, the Ports and Terminal Multiservice Chapter Chairman of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders, Thomas Alor, criticised the freight hike and faulted the timing of a proposed stakeholders’ meeting, which he said was scheduled during the holiday period when most participants were unavailable. He insisted that shipping companies must clearly justify any increase through proper consultation.

A source familiar with developments within the freight forwarding community also raised concerns over what was described as poor container refund policies, alleging prolonged delays and operational bottlenecks. The source questioned the basis for higher charges amid unresolved refund issues and said the matter would be escalated to the Nigerian Shippers’ Council.

The Western Zone Coordinator of the Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agents, Femi Anifowose, warned that unchecked shipping charges and persistent port inefficiencies were undermining trade facilitation and intensifying inflation in Nigeria’s import-dependent economy. He also accused shipping firms of failing to demonstrate adequate social responsibility despite benefiting significantly from the country’s trade activities.

In response, a source at the Nigerian Shippers’ Council said discussions were ongoing and assured that stakeholders would be engaged soon to address the concerns.

On his part, the MSC Africa Regional Controller for Finance and Administration, Jesse Chege, said the freight increase had been under discussion with the Nigerian Shippers’ Council for about two years. He explained that rising operating costs informed the decision and noted that the revised charges received regulatory approval in December 2025.