Agents operating in Nigeria’s maritime sector—including members of the African Association of Professional Freight Forwarders and Logistics of Nigeria (AAPFFLN) and the Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), Western Zone—on Monday suspended business operations at the Apapa office of the Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) in protest against recent increases in shipping charges. The agents argued that the hike would drive inflation in an already fragile economy.

Sources reported that the protesters gathered in large numbers at the shipping company’s office, insisting that operations remain closed from 6 a.m. Tuesday until MSC reverts to its previous charges. They emphasized that the cumulative burden of port-related fees is steadily raising import costs, ultimately affecting consumers.

Speaking after the shutdown, Mr. Frank Ogunojemite, National President of AAPFFLN, blamed the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) for the increase, accusing the agency of failing to regulate the sector effectively. He warned that the council’s office might also face closure if the issue is not resolved.

“Yes, the office was shut down. Everything is increasing unchecked. We have written to the presidency, and we suspect a compromise at the NSC. We will meet on Tuesday, and if nothing is done, we may shut down the NSC as well. There is inflation everywhere, and the NSC, which should regulate this, is failing. We will protest this increase,” Ogunojemite said.

The Sea Empowerment Research Centre (SEREC), a maritime research group, stressed that Nigeria’s maritime and port industry is critical for national trade, revenue generation, and economic stability. SEREC called for professionalism, legality, and economic intelligence in all actions and regulatory decisions affecting the sector.

In a position paper on the freight increase, SEREC’s Head of Research, Mr. Eugene Nweke, highlighted that industrial actions triggered by rising shipping charges have exposed structural imbalances within the port cost framework.

“Stakeholders’ concerns about arbitrary and disproportionate tariff hikes are valid. However, the methods used to address such grievances must align with modern industrial relations standards and international best practices. The industry suffers not from a lack of grievances but from insufficient regulation and structured engagement,” Nweke said.

Nweke, a former President of NAGAFF, added: “Industrial advocacy is legitimate, but how we protest matters as much as why we protest. A professional maritime sector must reject street-style shutdowns and adopt intelligent pressure, regulatory accountability, and institutional reform. Sustainable solutions come from credible regulation, responsible leadership, and collective discipline—not confrontation.”

Mr. Thomas Alor, Ports & Terminal Multiservice Chapter Chairman of NAGAFF, also criticized the freight increase. He said the shipping company’s plan to hold a stakeholders’ meeting on December 24—when many stakeholders were on holiday—was unacceptable. “They fixed the meeting on a date when most stakeholders would be away to push their agenda. We are not in support of this. They should explain why the increase is necessary and call a proper stakeholders’ meeting,” Alor said.

A source familiar with NAGAFF added: “MSC’s container refund policy is the worst among shipping companies in Nigeria. Freight forwarders are required to physically visit offices, yet refunds are often delayed for over three months. On what basis should MSC increase its charges? We strongly oppose this increment and will raise the issue with the NSC.”

Femi Anifowose, Coordinator of ANLCA’s Western Zone, said unchecked shipping fees and operational inefficiencies at the ports are “undermining trade facilitation and worsening inflationary pressures in Nigeria’s import-dependent economy.” He criticized shipping companies in Apapa for failing to demonstrate social responsibility despite generating substantial revenues.

A source at the NSC, who requested anonymity, stated: “Several meetings have been held at the council, and a stakeholder engagement is expected soon.”

Responding on behalf of MSC, Mr. Jesse Chege, Africa Regional Controller for Finance and Administration, said the new charges were deliberated with the NSC over two years and were necessary due to rising business costs. He added that the NSC approved the revised charges in December 2025.