The Nigerian Shippers’ Council has called for dialogue between stakeholders following protests by freight forwarders who picketed the offices of Mediterranean Shipping Company over a recent tariff increase.
Freight forwarders staged the protest in response to an increase in shipping line tariffs implemented by Mediterranean Shipping Company. The action involved picketing the company’s premises, with protesters opposing the new charges.
The development follows earlier tensions within the maritime sector over adjustments to shipping fees, which have drawn reactions from port users and industry stakeholders.
The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Akutah Pius, urged the protesting freight forwarders to adopt dialogue as a means of resolving the dispute.
He stated that dialogue remains a constructive and effective approach to dispute resolution compared to prolonged industrial actions.
According to him:
“Dialogue remains the most effective and modern dispute resolution mechanism.”
The Council attempted to engage the protesters in discussions, but the freight forwarders insisted there was no basis for dialogue and maintained their protest.
The protesters also stated their intention to continue the action until the tariff increase is reversed.
The Nigerian Shippers’ Council acknowledged the right of stakeholders to express grievances but criticised what it described as unprofessional conduct during the protest.
The Council noted that some protesters blocked regulators from accessing the premises of the shipping company, which it said hindered efforts to address the issue.
It also recalled that during a previous protest over the same tariff increase, the Council intervened and directed a temporary suspension of the charges while discussions were ongoing.
The Council warned that prolonged disputes in the maritime sector could disrupt port operations and affect trade and economic activities.
It reiterated its role as a regulator and mediator between shipping companies and freight forwarders to ensure stability and fair practices within the industry.
