Agents in Lagos Shut Shipping Firms Over Increased Port Charges
Lagos, Nigeria – March 19, 2026. Operations at several major shipping companies in Lagos came to a halt yesterday as licensed customs agents and freight forwarders staged protests over recent increases in port and service charges. The move, which affected firms along Commercial Road in Apapa, marks the latest escalation in tensions between maritime operators and shipping agents in Nigeria’s busiest port city.
The shutdown began at the MSC (Mediterranean Shipping Company) office and quickly spread to other companies, including Lagos & Niger Shipping Company and Pacific International Lines, effectively suspending daily operations.
Agents said the sudden fee hikes, implemented without adequate consultation, violate directives from the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), which had previously instructed shipping firms to engage stakeholders before adjusting charges.
Speaking to journalists, a representative of the Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) emphasized that the fee increase will significantly raise the cost of doing business, ultimately affecting importers, exporters, and consumers. We cannot allow arbitrary increases that worsen the already high cost of logistics and imports, the spokesperson said.
On the other hand, the Shipping Association of Nigeria (SAN) defended the adjustments, stating that the new rates reflect rising operational costs in the maritime sector. SAN officials argued that the fee revisions are necessary to maintain service efficiency and sustainability.
The Nigerian Shippers’ Council, a federal agency responsible for regulating port tariffs, has reiterated that any increase in port charges must follow proper stakeholder engagement.
However, shipping companies claim that the NSC’s previous instructions were verbal and lacked formal documentation, resulting in conflicting interpretations and compliance disputes.
Industry experts warn that continued disruptions at Lagos ports could have far-reaching consequences for Nigeria’s import-export sector, potentially affecting supply chains, trade volumes, and the overall economy.
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The NSC has called for dialogue between agents and shipping firms to resolve the impasse amicably and avoid prolonged disruption.
