Freight forwarding groups on Monday shut down the office of Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) in Apapa, Lagos, to protest a new increase in shipping charges.

The action was led by the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), Western Zone, the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), and the African Association of Professional Freight Forwarders and Logistics of Nigeria (APFFLON).

The groups said the new charges are unfair, especially as the dollar rate and fuel prices have dropped. They noted that shipping companies had already increased their tariffs by over 400 percent about three years ago, blaming high exchange rates and diesel costs at the time.

Speaking after the shutdown, ANLCA Western Zone Coordinator, Femi Anifowoshe, said the agents want all shipping lines to return to the old rates before any discussion can take place.

He explained that many agents had already signed contracts with their customers based on the old charges, and the sudden increase would force them to bear losses.

Anifowoshe also warned that the protest would spread to other shipping companies, including Maersk Line and PIL, if the price hike is not reversed.

APFFLON President, Frank Ogunojemite, confirmed that the shutdown would continue until the shipping companies withdraw the new charges.

Leaders and members of ANLCA, NAGAFF and APFFLON from various port chapters joined the protest, insisting that the increase is unjustified and must be cancelled.