Listen to story here
The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Dr. Akutah Pius, MON, has urged freight forwarders to embrace dialogue as a more constructive means of resolving disputes rather than resorting to industrial actions that could negatively affect the nation’s economy.
Dr. Akutah made the appeal 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 protest, the Council’s attempt to engage the aggrieved freight forwarders in discussions was resisted, as the protesters insisted that there was no basis for dialogue. The demonstrators also vowed to continue the protest on Monday until the increased charges are immediately reversed.
The Shippers’ Council boss stressed that dialogue remains the most effective and modern dispute resolution mechanism, noting that it is 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.
While acknowledging the right of stakeholders to express their concerns, the Council also condemned what it described as unprofessional conduct by some freight forwarders, particularly the act of preventing regulatory officials from accessing the MSC premises to address the matter.
Dr. 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 fairness, stability, and continued growth within Nigeria’s maritime industry.
