Shipping agents protest over higher port fees in Lagos
Freight forwarders in Lagos have staged protests against recent increases in shipping charges by major shipping companies. The demonstrations led to a shutdown of operations at several company offices in Apapa. Key industry leaders, including Femi Anifowose and Frank Ogunojemitew, have criticized the shipping firms for not engaging with service users before raising tariffs. The agents insist that protests will continue until the charges are reversed.
TLDR
- Freight forwarders protested at the offices of major shipping companies in Apapa, Lagos, shutting down business operations.
- Femi Anifowose and Frank Ogunojemitew accused the companies of ignoring directives from the Nigerian Shippers Council to suspend the fee hike.
- The agents demand a reversal to the previous rates and proper engagement before any future increases.
- The Managing Director of MSC Nigeria, Jake Iosso, said the NSC only gave a verbal, not written, notice to suspend the new charges.
- Efforts by the NSC to mediate were blocked by protesting agents, who refused dialogue until the charges are rolled back.
