ANLCA leads protest against shipping charges, seeks Oyetola’s urgent action

By Ezurike Ugochukwu 

The Western Zone of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), alongside the Association of Professional Freight Forwarders and Logistics of Nigeria (APFFLON) and other freight forwarding stakeholders, has expressed strong dissatisfaction with the handling of the proposed shipping charges increase by the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC).

In a joint statement, the groups accused the Council of failing to honour its commitment made three months ago to suspend the planned hike and engage stakeholders through constructive dialogue. They alleged that, contrary to that assurance, shipping companies have proceeded with implementing the new charges without prior consultation, a move they say undermines transparency and trust within the port system.

The stakeholders also raised concerns over an unsigned press statement circulating on social media — purportedly issued by the NSC — announcing a suspension of the charges. According to them, the communication, which surfaced during a public holiday, was neither formally transmitted to key industry players nor acknowledged by shipping companies, many of whom reportedly received no official directive.

In a press release made available by Emmanuel C. Onyeme, National Publicity Secretary, ANLCA, the development has eroded confidence in the Council’s leadership and triggered the second phase of service withdrawal by freight forwarders across port corridors.

Resolutions and Demands

The groups resolved to continue the ongoing withdrawal of services and picketing of shipping companies until accountability and clarity are achieved.

They issued a three-working-day ultimatum (March 23–25) to the NSC to convene a comprehensive stakeholders’ meeting, warning that failure to comply would result in a total shutdown of port operations nationwide.

Calling for urgent government intervention, the stakeholders appealed to the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, to step in and prevent further escalation of the dispute.

They further demanded that the NSC adopt a transparent and consultative regulatory approach consistent with best practices among peer agencies, including the Nigeria Customs Service.

Protection of Stakeholders’ Rights

The freight forwarders vowed to resist any attempt by shipping companies to impose charges without due process, stressing that while they remain committed to port stability, actions capable of undermining operational balance would be firmly opposed.

Position on Charges

The stakeholders clarified that they are not opposed to legitimate adjustments in shipping charges but insisted that due process, transparency, and inclusive consultation must be strictly observed.

Call for Dialogue

They called for immediate roundtable engagement involving all key industry players, including shipping companies and terminal operators, to resolve the impasse.

Conclusion

The groups reaffirmed their commitment to lawful engagement and constructive dialogue but warned that failure to promptly address their concerns would compel them to take further actions to safeguard their collective interests and the integrity of Nigeria’s maritime sector.