By Comfort Olayinka
The House of Representatives Committee on Public Petitions has directed the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to compel the Managing Director and Deputy Managing Director of Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) Nigeria Limited, Andrew Lynch and Jake Iosso, to appear before it over serious allegations of tax evasion, extortion, and unfair shipping practices.
The dramatic move came after the global shipping giant, which reportedly generates over €86 billion in annual revenue, repeatedly snubbed invitations to appear before the committee to respond to a petition by the Citizens Whistleblowers Coalition (CWC).
Presiding over the session in the absence of the committee chairman, Hon. Martins Nwogu expressed deep concern over MSC’s “flagrant disregard for Nigerian laws and institutions.” He cited Sections 88 and 89 of the Nigerian Constitution which empower the National Assembly to investigate and compel appearances during such inquiries.
“The summons was duly served and even published in a national daily,” Nwogu emphasized, lamenting the company’s continued refusal to respond or engage the committee.
The petition, titled “Petition Against Mediterranean Shipping Company Nig. Ltd and Mediterranean Shipping Company S.A., Geneva,” accuses MSC of a long list of infractions including arbitrary charges, illegal detention of shipments, tax evasion, and refusal to refund container deposits—practices the petitioners claim amount to economic sabotage.
According to Hon. Uzoma Abonta, counsel to the Citizens Whistleblowers Coalition, MSC’s activities violate multiple Nigerian laws, including the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act of 2018. He urged the committee to involve agencies such as NPA, FIRS, FCCPC, Nigeria Customs Service, and the Shippers Council to investigate MSC’s operations.
The committee resolved to reconvene on July 31st and ordered the IGP to ensure the appearance of both MSC executives on that date.
Stakeholders in Nigeria’s maritime industry have long raised concerns over MSC’s alleged oppressive practices, including excessive demurrage charges, non-refund of deposits, and manipulation of shipment timelines.
In a previous incident dating back to May 2021, freight forwarders under NAGAFF and ANLCA threatened to boycott MSC shipments entirely, citing the same unresolved grievances.
