By Comfort Olayinka
Tensions escalated at the National Assembly as a civic group under the banner of the Citizens WhistleBlowers Coalition (CWC) submitted a formal petition against global shipping powerhouse Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), alleging massive financial misconduct, regulatory violations, and deliberate subversion of Nigeria’s legal authority.
In what is shaping up to be one of the biggest corporate accountability showdowns in Nigeria’s maritime sector, the CWC urged the House of Representatives to launch a full-scale investigation into MSC’s operations, describing the company’s actions as a “direct threat to fair business practices and national sovereignty.”
Speaking to journalists on Tuesday at the National Assembly Complex, the Spokesperson of the group, Mr Karl Emeka hinted that the petition centers on three damning accusations:
- Illegal and Arbitrary Shipping Charges:
MSC is accused of imposing excessive, inconsistent, and opaque fees on Nigerian importers, in breach of Section 125 of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPC). The law mandates transparency and price stability in all business transactions. - ₦3 Trillion Container Deposit Scandal:
Businesses are reportedly being crippled by the non-refundable container deposits required by MSC—₦200,000 for 20-foot containers and ₦400,000 for 40-foot containers. Industry stakeholders estimate over ₦3 trillion remains unrefunded, with the CWC accusing MSC of exploiting its dominant market position to withhold funds and delay trade operations. - Evasion of Nigerian Jurisdiction:
In perhaps the most alarming claim, MSC is said to be securing anti-suit injunctions from UK courts to avoid facing legal actions in Nigeria. Petitioners argue this tactic not only blocks justice for Nigerian businesses but also undermines the authority of the country’s judicial system.
According to the group, despite being summoned by the House for a public hearing, MSC has so far failed to appear or issue a formal response—prompting lawmakers to reschedule the session for July 2 and threaten compulsory appearance if the company continues to disregard parliamentary oversight.
Speaking further, the CWC representative said: “MSC cannot operate in Nigeria while flouting its laws and draining its economy. This is about accountability, economic justice, and the dignity of Nigeria.”
The group further noted that even the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy has publicly called for an end to the outdated container deposit scheme, urging the adoption of more modern and transparent systems used globally.
“The House is now invoking its constitutional oversight powers under Section 88 of the 1999 Constitution, signaling what could become a defining test of Nigeria’s resolve to assert control over foreign corporations operating within its borders.
In a petition sent to the National Assembly, a copy of which was available to newsmen, the CWC detailed years ofcomplaints from importers, clearing agents, and freight forwarders who claim to have suffered massive financial losses due to MSC’s “unfair shipping practices.”
The key allegations against MSC include:
- Excessive and Opaque Shipping Charges:
The petitioners allege that MSC imposes arbitrary and inconsistent fees, including illegal “TELEX charges” at both the port of loading and discharge, in violation of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA), 2018. - Deliberate Shipping Delays and Demurrage Rip-Offs:
Multiple importers, including Interglobal Technologies Limited, accuse MSC of delaying shipments to inflate demurrage fees—often holding containers at ports like Lomé, Togo, before arrival in Nigeria. This practice has led to millions in losses and forced payments under duress. - Non-Refund of Container Deposits:
MSC is also accused of withholding container deposits ranging from ₦200,000 to ₦400,000 per container, with some refund applications dating back to 2020 still unpaid. Stakeholders claim this has locked up billions in capital and disrupted business operations nationwide. - Illegal Detention and Extortion:
A notable case cited is that of Interglobal Technologies Ltd, which took legal action after MSC allegedly extorted over ₦49.8 million and detained critical equipment shipments. The Federal High Court ordered the arrest of an MSC vessel, MSC Tasmania, which was only released after a $10 million bond was deposited. - Tax Evasion and Regulatory Violations:
CWC is urging lawmakers to investigate MSC’s Nigerian turnover and tax compliance, citing concerns that the company’s reported €80 billion global revenue does not reflect its true local contributions. The group also flagged violations of multiple FCCPA provisions, including unfair pricing (Section 127), lack of pricing transparency (Section 115), and coercive business tactics (Section 124).
Furthermore, the petition argues that MSC’s conduct amounts to economic sabotage. “Nigeria’s maritime sector is critical to trade and development. For a foreign company to operate with this level of impunity—detaining goods, levying illegal charges, and dodging taxes—is unacceptable,” said Nafiu Ibrahim, CWC’s Program Officer for Investigations.
Quoting from court documents and industry media, CWC cited a long-standing pattern of abuse. They referenced protests and boycott threats from key trade groups such as the Nigerian Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) and the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) over unrefunded container deposits and demurrage fraud.
