By Seun Ibiyemi
The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Akutah Pius, has urged freight forwarders to embrace dialogue over industrial action in response to recent tariff increases, warning that prolonged disputes could harm Nigeria’s economy and disrupt trade.
Akutah made the appeal on Thursday in Lagos while reacting to the picketing of the offices of Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) by freight forwarders protesting the hike in shipping line charges.
Despite the protests, the council said it had made efforts to engage the aggrieved parties in dialogue but met resistance, as the protesters insisted there was no basis for discussions.
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The freight forwarders also vowed to continue their protest on Monday, March 23, 2026, until the increased tariffs are reversed.
Akutah stressed that dialogue remains the most effective and modern means of resolving disputes, describing it as faster, more humane, and more productive than what he termed a “bottled anger approach.”
He warned that prolonged industrial unrest in the maritime sector could disrupt port operations and negatively impact trade and economic activities.
While acknowledging the right of stakeholders to express grievances, Akutah condemned what he described as unprofessional conduct by some freight forwarders, particularly the act of blocking regulators from accessing MSC premises to address the issue.
He also recalled that during a similar protest over the tariff increase weeks earlier, the council intervened and compelled MSC to suspend the disputed charges for two days to allow for dialogue.
Akutah reiterated the council’s commitment to mediating between shipping companies and freight forwarders to ensure fair practices and maintain stability within the maritime industry.
