The Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), Western Zone, has raised strong objections to the proposed upward review of local charges by shipping companies operating in Lagos ports, warning that such increments could disrupt cargo clearance and port operations if implemented.
Addressing journalists on Wednesday, the Coordinator of the Western Zone, Alhaji Femi Anifowose, criticised what he described as arbitrary and unjustifiable adjustments, particularly those introduced by the Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC). According to him, MSC plans to raise Import Documentation fees by 30 per cent and Port Additional Charges by 60 per cent, with the new rates slated to take effect from January 1, 2026.
Anifowose noted that ANLCA has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene urgently by directing the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, and regulatory bodies—especially the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC)—to halt the increment pending proper industry consultations.
He argued that the shipping lines failed to engage stakeholders or offer credible justification for the price hike, despite the relative stability of diesel, Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and foreign exchange rates over the past 18 months.
“There is no reasonable economic basis for these new charges, fuel prices have stabilised, forex volatility has eased, yet shipping companies continue to impose additional fees without transparency or justification,” Anifowose said.
He added that MSC convened what he termed an impromptu stakeholders’ meeting, issuing an invitation on December 23, 2025 and scheduling the session for December 30, 2025. At the meeting, the revised charges were announced to take effect within 48 hours—an action he described as insensitive and poorly timed.
According to him, the timing prevented many importers, freight forwarders and officials of relevant government agencies from participating, thereby undermining genuine consultation.
“The meeting was neither inclusive nor consultative. Critical stakeholders were absent, yet decisions that affect the entire port ecosystem were taken,” he said.
ANLCA Western Zone is therefore demanding the immediate suspension of the new tariff regime. The group insists that any review of charges must be subjected to a transparent and well-coordinated engagement involving freight forwarders, shippers and the Nigerian Shippers’ Council.
The association warned that persistent imposition of unilateral and exploitative fees may compel freight agents to withdraw services or embark on protests across Lagos ports.
The revised MSC tariffs show that Import Documentation fees for 20ft containers would rise from ₦45,000 to ₦58,500, while 40ft containers would increase from ₦72,000 to ₦93,600. Port Additional Charges for 20ft containers would move from ₦50,000 to ₦80,000, and 40ft containers from ₦100,000 to ₦160,000, all effective January 1, 2026.
Other ANLCA officials present at the briefing included the Western Zone Secretary, Alhaji Idowu Owoade; National Public Relations Officer, Mr. Emmanuel Oyeme; Chairman of Tincan Island Chapter, Prince Olawale Cole; and Chairman of KLT Chapter, Chief Ahmed Olajide Bello.
