Shippers Council Writes MSC, Insists On New Tariff Suspension

The Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) has formally written to Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), directing the shipping firm to suspend the implementation of its newly introduced shipping tariff, as tensions continue to rise within Nigeria’s maritime sector over the proposed charges.

In a letter dated March 23, 2026, titled “Re: Suspension of Tariff Approval” with reference number MSC/RSD/M4/044/VOL/124, the Council instructed the shipping giant to comply with the earlier directive halting the tariff increase.

The letter, signed by Margaret Ogbonnah, Director of the Regulatory Services Department, on behalf of the executive secretary and chief executive officer of the Council, Pius Akutah, was addressed to the Managing Director of MSC.

According to the Council, the shipping line must 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 organises a stakeholders meeting soonest. Please accept the assurances of the Executive Secretary/CEO esteemed regards,” the letter stated.

Moreover, clearing agents had on Monday resumed their protest against shipping companies over the tariff hike, insisting they will not stand down until they receive written confirmation that the increased charges have been reversed.

They argued that verbal and administrative directives have not translated into action on the ground, with shipping companies yet to formally revert to the old rates.

Speaking, Western Zone Coordinator of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), Alhaji Femi Anifowose, confirmed that the standoff would persist until freight forwarders received a written assurance from the Council.

Anifowose noted that precedent justified their caution, recalling past instances where the Shippers’ Council issued verbal cancellations but shipping companies went ahead regardless and collected the increased charges.

Corroborating him, National President of the Association of Professional Freight Forwarders and Logistics Operators of Nigeria (APFFLON), Otunba Frank Ogunojemite, confirmed that members of all freight forwarding associations, including APFFLON, were already on the ground at shipping company offices for the continuation of the protest.

“The shipping companies are yet to revert the hike, and that is why the protest continues. We need a written proof that the shipping companies have reverted to the old rate, and an official letter to the shipping companies copying the associations, we don’t need a mere announcement,” he said.

National Publicity Secretary of ANLCA, Emmanuel Onyeme, was equally unequivocal, stating that freight forwarders were not ready to back down until the charges were fully reversed.

“Shipping companies are not adding any value to the Nigerian port system. They have no investment here at our ports, they only collect this money and repatriate it to their parent companies abroad.

“The terminal operators, on their part, invest in cranes. We see some measure of construction in the port, they add value. But what are the shipping companies doing? After this protest, however, we shall visit the increase in terminal charges as well,” he vowed.