NAGAFF Backs Whistle-Blowers’ Petition Against MSC, Alleges Shipping Giant Engaged In Arbitrary Charges, Tax Evasion
NAGAFF Backs Whistle-Blowers’ Petition Against MSC, Alleges Shipping Giant Engaged In Arbitrary Charges, Tax Evasion
By Frank Odinukaeze
The National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) has thrown its weight behind the Citizens Whistle-Blowers Coalition (CWC) in a damning petition against Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) Nigeria Limited and its parent company, Mediterranean Shipping SA Geneva. In a formal memorandum submitted to the House Committee on Public Petitions, NAGAFF accused MSC of a range of unethical and illegal practices that are harming Nigeria’s trade environment.
The association, which represents a broad network of licensed customs agents and freight forwarders across the country, presented its position on Petition No. 647 of 2025 during a public hearing organized by the House Committee.
In the document dated June 10, 2025, and addressed to the Honourable Chairman and members of the committee, NAGAFF highlighted a long history of what it described as “systemic misconduct” by MSC. These include excessive delays in cargo clearance, arbitrary shipping and demurrage charges, illegal detention of containers, extortion of freight agents, unfair commercial practices, and alleged tax evasion.
“Our members have consistently faced challenges stemming from MSC’s operational practices, adversely affecting the Nigerian economy, local businesses, and overall trade activities,” the statement read.
NAGAFF noted that the issues raised in the petition by the CWC are not only accurate but reflective of the daily realities faced by industry stakeholders. The association further called for urgent legislative intervention to curb what it termed as “abuse of dominance” in the shipping sector.
The organization praised the House Committee for its commitment to justice and transparency and urged lawmakers to take decisive action to hold multinational shipping companies accountable for their operations in Nigeria.
As of the time of filing this report, MSC Nigeria and its Geneva-based parent company have not officially responded to the allegations, but sources close to the company indicate that a rebuttal may be issued during subsequent sessions of the committee hearings.
The public hearing on Petition 647 is expected to continue in the coming weeks, with testimonies from freight forwarders, legal experts, and regulatory authorities.
