Reps Summon Swiss-based Shipping Firm, MSC On Tax Evasion, Unfair Trade Practices Allegations

The House of Representatives Committee on Public Petitions has summoned the chief executive officer of Swiss-based shipping company, Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) Nigeria Limited, over alleged tax evasion, extortion, unfair trade practices in Nigeria, among others.

In a public notice issued and signed by the chairman of the Committee and sighted by our correspondent, the Committee said the summons followed a petition filed by a group known as the Citizens Whistleblowers Coalition (CWC) against the shipping firm.

The group had petitioned the National Assembly against MSC Nigeria and its parent company, Mediterranean Shipping Company S.A., Geneva, accusing them of arbitrary charges, delay in shipment deliveries, illegal detention of cargoes, tax evasion, and other unfair trade practices.

According to the notice, the petition, numbered 647 of 2025 has been scheduled for hearing on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, at 2:00 pm, at Room 429, New Wing, House of Representatives Complex, Abuja.

The Committee, invoking the powers granted under Sections 88 and 89(C) of the Nigerian Constitution (as amended), directed the MSC CEO to appear in person before it to respond to the allegations.

The notice stated, “Whereas the above-named petition is now pending before this Committee and the particulars of the petition aforesaid are already within your knowledge. And whereas, the petition has been assigned to be heard by the Committee for determination…”

It further directed both the petitioner and the respondent to submit one soft copy and ten hard copies of their briefs on the matter to the Committee at least one week before the scheduled hearing.

The Committee warned that failure by any party to attend the hearing could result in the case being heard and determined in their absence.

The petition comes amid growing concerns over alleged exploitative practices by multinational shipping lines operating in Nigeria, with industry players frequently accusing shipping companies of high-handedness, arbitrary charges, and a lack of transparency in their operations.

The Committee urged stakeholders and the public to take note of the hearing date and called for maximum cooperation to ensure a fair and thorough investigation.