Freight forwarders operating at the nation’s seaports has staged protests at the offices of major shipping lines in Apapa, Lagos, over a recent increase in shipping charges.
The protest was led by key industry associations on 18th March 2026, including the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), the Africa Association of Professional Freight Forwarders and Logistics of Nigeria (APFFLON), and the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF).
Clearing agents were seen in large numbers at the offices of Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) along Commercial Road, Apapa, carrying placards and chanting slogans to express their dissatisfaction.
The demonstrators accused shipping companies of imposing tariff increases without prior consultation or engagement with stakeholders, describing the move as unfair and unacceptable.
Speaking during the protest, ANLCA Zonal Coordinator (West), Alhaji Femi Anifowoshe, stated that the action was supported by all freight forwarding associations and cuts across all shipping companies that recently increased their charges.
He disclosed that the new tariffs were implemented last week, catching stakeholders off guard and further straining port operations.
Following a meeting with executives of MSC Apapa, Anifowoshe said the associations unanimously rejected the increment and insisted that it must be reversed.
He also raised serious concerns over the role of the Executive Secretary of Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Pius Akutah, accusing him of failing to ensure transparency and proper stakeholder engagement.
According to him, despite assurances since January that a stakeholders’ meeting would be convened, the meeting has yet to take place, while directives to suspend the increment were not effectively enforced.
They further visited the offices of PIL and Lagos and Niger Shipping Company (LANSA), demanding that the companies halt the increment in charges, warning that further escalation may follow if their demands are ignored.
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