Customs Officers Threaten Strike Over Rising Shipping Fees

Licensed customs agents in Nigeria are threatening to protest against planned increases in shipping fees, citing poor timing and limited business activity.

Agents told reporters on Sunday that raising charges so early in the year is inappropriate, as many businesses have yet to resume full operations.

According to updated Mediterranean Shipping Company tariffs, import documentation fees for 20ft containers are set to rise from N45,000 to N58,500, while 40ft container fees would increase from N72,000 to N93,600. Port additional charges are also set to climb, with 20ft containers moving from N50,000 to N80,000 and 40ft containers from N100,000 to N160, effective January 1, 2026.

National Protocols Officer of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), Riwane Amuni, warned that any unilateral implementation would trigger protests. He emphasized that demonstrations could extend to other shipping companies and terminals if the increases go ahead without consultation.

Similarly, Abayomi Duyile, Apapa Chapter Chairman of the National Council of Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents, confirmed that the Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC) has been informed of the planned hike and has instructed the shipping company to engage stakeholders. He said any increase implemented without proper dialogue could lead to protests and office shutdowns once agents resume normal operations after the festive period.

Duyile stressed that any fare adjustments must be justified and transparent, warning that unjustified hikes could worsen inflation. He noted that shipping companies should issue prior notices of at least one to three weeks before implementing new charges.

Femi Anifowose, Coordinator of ANLCA’s Western Zone, described the planned fare increase as arbitrary, ill-timed, and unjustifiable, urging President Bola Tinubu to direct regulatory authorities, including the NSC and the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, to halt the increment. He added that key cost indicators cited by shipping lines, such as diesel, fuel, and foreign exchange, have largely stabilized over the past 18 months.

Attempts to reach the shipping company for comment were unsuccessful as calls and emails went unanswered.