French shipping firm CMA/CGM has slammed a $100/TEU surcharge on Nigeria-bound container cargoes.
LEADERSHIP Weekend reports that the PSS are fees associated with the increased costs of transport in a specific period. The peak surcharge usually happens when there is a high transport demand, and every carrier imposes different charges as it suits them.
However, according to a notice by the French shipping firm, a copy cited by LEADERSHIP, the firm said from May 1st, 2025, the surcharge will commence till further notice.
The notice said the surcharge affected cargoes originating from China, Hong Kong, and Macau SAR.
Speaking to LEADERSHIP, a clearing agent at the Apapa Port, Justice Chukwu, criticised the surcharge, saying it’s unnecessary.
According to Chukwu, the government should protest against it as it would add to the cost of doing business at the nation’s seaports.
“This is unnecessary and ill-timed, and not at this point when Nigeria’s economy is wobbling. The Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), the agency responsible for protecting Shippers and clearing agents in the country should rise to the occasion of protecting vulnerable importers.
“The economy is already distressed, and any amount incurred by the importers will be transferred to the final consumers, so, sometimes it will be done,” he stated.
