Lagos Freight Forwarders Protest Increased Shipping Charges

Freight forwarders in Lagos staged a coordinated protest against major shipping companies, including MSC, over increased port charges. The protest began on Wednesday at MSC's office along Commercial Road, Apapa, leading to a total shutdown of business operations by freight forwarders.

Femi Anifowos, the zonal coordinator for the Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agents, criticized the shipping companies for disregarding the Nigerian Shipper Council's directive to suspend the approved increment in shipping charges. He emphasized that the protest would persist until the charges were reverted.

Frank Ogunojemite, a representative of the freight forwarding community, condemned the unjustified increase, stating that it contradicts the government's efforts to reduce business costs. Jake Iosso, the managing director of MSC Nigeria, confirmed that the Nigerian Shipper Council had verbally instructed shipping companies to suspend the new rates until further engagement with stakeholders.

The protest reflects ongoing tensions between freight forwarders and shipping companies regarding operational costs.