The Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) has formally written the Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), directing it to suspend the implementation of its newly introduced shipping tariff.
The directive followed the refusal of clearing agents to suspend protests over the hike in shipping charges by the firm.
Clearing agents operating at the nation’s ports continued their protests on Monday, issuing a three-day ultimatum for the MSC to suspend the charges increment or face a boycott of cargo clearance at the ports.
In a letter dated March 23, 2026, titled “Re: Suspension of Tariff Approval” with reference number MSC/RSD/M4/044/VOL/124, the Council instructed the MSC to comply with the earlier directive halting the tariff increase.
The letter, signed by the Director of the Regulatory Services Department, Margaret Ogbonnah, on behalf of the Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the Council, Pius Akutah, was addressed to the Managing Director of MSC.
According to the Council, the shipping line must maintain the current tariff regime until a stakeholders’ meeting is convened to deliberate on the proposed charges and their implications for port users.
“The Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC) has formally requested your organisation to abide with current tariff suspension until NSC organizes a stakeholders meeting soonest. Please accept the assurances of the Executive Secretary/CEO esteemed regards,” the letter stated.