Shippers’ Council Calls for Dialogue as Freight Forwarders Picket MSC Over Tariff Hike
The Nigerian Shippers’ Council has urged freight forwarders to embrace dialogue in resolving disputes following the picketing of the offices of Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) over a recent increase in shipping tariffs.
According to a statement, the Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer of the Council, Dr Pius Akutah, made the appeal while reacting to the protest staged by freight forwarders, who have rejected the tariff hike imposed by MSC.
The aggrieved operators, however, resisted efforts by the Council to initiate discussions, insisting that there was no basis for dialogue. They also vowed to continue the protest on Monday until the increased charges are reversed.
Akutah stressed that dialogue remains the most effective and modern dispute resolution mechanism, describing it as faster, more humane, and more productive than what he termed a “bottled anger approach.”
He warned that prolonged industrial disputes in the maritime sector could disrupt port operations and negatively impact trade and broader economic activities.
While acknowledging the right of stakeholders to express grievances, the Council condemned what it described as unprofessional conduct by some protesters, particularly the blocking of regulators from accessing MSC premises to intervene in the matter.
The Council also recalled that during a similar protest over the same tariff increment a few weeks ago, it intervened and compelled Mediterranean Shipping Company to suspend the collection of the disputed charges for two days to allow for dialogue.
He reiterated the Council’s commitment to mediating between shipping companies and freight forwarders to ensure fair practices and maintain stability in Nigeria’s maritime industry.
