The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Akutah Pius, has urged freight forwarders to choose dialogue over industrial action as regards tariff adjustments to avoid undermining Nigeria’s economy and disrupting national trade.

Mr Akutah made the plea on Thursday in Lagos while reacting to the picketing of the offices of Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) by freight forwarders protesting the recent increase in shipping line tariffs.

Despite the protests, the council had attempted to engage the aggrieved freight forwarders in discussions but met with resistance as the protesters insisted that there was no basis for dialogue.

The freight forwarders also vowed to continue the protest on Monday, March 23, 2026, until the increased charges were reversed.

The shippers’ council boss stressed that dialogue remained the most effective and modern dispute resolution mechanism.

Mr Akutah said that dialogue was faster, more humane, and more productive than what he described as a “bottled anger approach.”

He warned that prolonged industrial disputes within the maritime sector could disrupt port operations and negatively impact trade and economic activities.

Acknowledging the right of stakeholders to express their concerns, Mr Akutah said the council condemned what he described as “unprofessional conduct of some freight forwarders.”

He frowned at the freight forwarders, particularly at the act of blocking regulators from accessing the MSC premises to address the matter.

Mr Akutah also recalled that during a similar protest over the same tariff increment a few weeks earlier, the council intervened and compelled MSC to suspend the collection of the disputed charges for two days while discussions were ongoing.

He reiterated the council’s commitment to mediating between shipping companies and freight forwarders to ensure fair practices and stability within the maritime industry.
(NAN)