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By Steve Abota
The Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) on Saturday directed all shipping lines and their respective agencies to immediately suspend the implementation of recently approved tariffs.
This order was contained in a statement issued by the council and made available to Saturday Sun, stating that the directive follows ongoing consultations and concerns raised by key stakeholders within the maritime and logistics sector.
According to the council, in the interest of fairness, transparency, and maintaining industrial harmony, it has become necessary to halt the implementation of the tariffs pending further deliberations.
“All shipping lines and agencies are therefore required to maintain the status quo until a consensus is reached among stakeholders. A final resolution will be communicated after all parties have concluded discussions and formally reported back to the Nigerian Shippers’ Council.
“The Council remains committed to fostering a collaborative environment that ensures sustainable growth, operational efficiency, and the protection of stakeholders’ interests across the sector. All parties are urged to comply with this directive and cooperate fully throughout the consultation period,” the statement reads.
Recall that freight forwarders shut down the offices of Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) over the recent increase in shipping line tariffs earlier in the week.
Despite the protests, the council’s attempt to engage the aggrieved freight forwarders in discussions was resisted, as the protesters insisted that there was no basis for dialogue.
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The freight forwarders also vowed to continue the protest on Monday until the increased charges are immediately reversed.
During the protest, the Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Dr Akutah Pius, called on freight forwarders to embrace dialogue as a constructive means of resolving their grievances rather than resorting to industrial actions capable of undermining the nation’s economy.
The Shippers’ Council boss stressed that dialogue remains the most effective and modern dispute resolution mechanism, noting that it is faster, more humane, and more productive than what he described as a “bottled anger approach”.
He warned that prolonged industrial disputes within the maritime sector could disrupt port operations and negatively impact trade and economic activities.
While acknowledging the right of stakeholders to express their concerns, the council condemned what it described as the unprofessional conduct of some freight forwarders, particularly the act of blocking regulators from accessing the MSC premises to address the matter.
Akutah also recalled that during a similar protest over the same tariff increment a few weeks earlier, the council intervened and compelled MSC to suspend the collection of the disputed charges for two days while discussions were ongoing.
He reiterated the council’s commitment to mediating between shipping companies and freight forwarders to ensure fair practices and stability within the maritime industry.
