Maritime agents shut MSC Apapa office in protest over freight increase, citing rising costs and inflation pressures on Nigeria’s import economy

Agents operating in Nigeria’s maritime sector, including members of the African Association of Professional Freight Forwarders and Logistics of Nigeria and the Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agents, Western Zone, shut down business operations at the Apapa office of the Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) on Monday, protesting a recent hike in shipping charges.

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The agents warned that the increase in freight rates would fuel inflation in an already fragile economy.

They demanded that operations remain suspended from 6 a.m. on Tuesday until the shipping company reverted to its former charges.

Frank Ogunojemite, National President of the African Association of Professional Freight Forwarders and Logistics of Nigeria, blamed the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) for failing to regulate the sector.

He warned that the council’s office might also face shutdown if the issue is not resolved.

“Yes, it was shut down. We have sent a letter to the presidency, and we suspect a compromise at the Nigerian Shippers’ Council. We may likely shut down the NSC if the issue is not addressed,” Ogunojemite said.

A maritime research group, Sea Empowerment Research Centre (SEREC), stressed that the port and maritime sector remains critical to trade, revenue generation, and economic stability.

Eugene Nweke, Head of Research at SEREC, noted that while concerns over tariff hikes are valid, protests must adhere to professional industrial relations standards.

“While stakeholder concerns regarding arbitrary and disproportionate tariff increases are legitimate, the methods adopted must align with international best practices. Sustainable solutions lie not in confrontation, but in credible regulation, responsible leadership, and collective discipline,” Nweke stated.

Thomas Alor, Ports & Terminal Multiservice Chapter Chairman of NAGAFF, criticised the timing of stakeholder meetings convened by MSC, saying it was inconvenient and appeared to push the increase through without proper consultation.

Other industry figures highlighted operational inefficiencies, including delayed container refunds, as compounding the impact of rising charges. Femi Anifowose, ANLCA Western Zone Coordinator, warned that unchecked shipping fees and inefficiencies undermine trade facilitation and worsen inflationary pressures in Nigeria’s import-dependent economy.

Responding, a source at the NSC indicated that engagements with stakeholders would soon take place. MSC’s Africa Regional Controller, Jesse Chege, defended the hike, noting it was approved by the NSC in December 2025 after two years of deliberation, citing rising operational costs.

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The protest highlights ongoing tensions in Nigeria’s maritime sector as agents and regulators navigate rising costs, operational inefficiencies, and the impact on the wider economy.