By peterside Rejoice Eneky
A civic group, Citizens WhistleBlowers Coalition (CWC), has accused the global shipping company, Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), of defrauding Nigerian importers of over ₦3 trillion, violating consumer protection laws, and undermining the country’s legal system.
In a petition submitted to the House of Representatives, the group called for a full-scale investigation into the company’s operations in Nigeria, citing widespread financial irregularities and regulatory violations.
Speaking with journalists at the National Assembly Complex, CWC spokesperson, Mr. Karl Chinedu, said the allegations against MSC include illegal shipping charges, non-refund of container deposits, evasion of Nigerian legal jurisdiction, and economic sabotage.
“MSC cannot continue to operate in Nigeria while flouting its laws and draining its economy. This is about accountability, justice, and the sovereignty of our nation,” Chinedu stated.
The group listed the following key allegations:
₦3 Trillion Container Deposit Fraud:
MSC is accused of withholding refundable container deposits ₦200,000 for 20-foot containers and ₦400,000 for 40-foot containers with no proper reimbursement mechanism. Some refund applications date back to 2020.
Illegal and Arbitrary Charges:
MSC allegedly imposes excessive and non-transparent charges, including duplicate “TELEX fees,” in violation of Sections 115, 124, and 125 of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA), 2018.
The group claims that MSC deliberately delays container arrivals at Nigerian ports to inflate demurrage charges, citing evidence of containers being held in Lomé, Togo.
MSC is also accused of obtaining anti-suit injunctions from UK courts to evade legal proceedings in Nigeria, thereby undermining the country’s judiciary.
Tax Evasion and Regulatory Breaches:
CWC called on lawmakers to investigate MSC’s financial disclosures and tax compliance, noting discrepancies between its global revenue estimated at €80 billion and its unclear contributions in Nigeria.
The coalition also highlighted a case involving Interglobal Technologies Limited, which secured a court order to detain MSC’s vessel, MSC Tasmania, over an alleged N49.8 million extortion. The ship was only released after the company paid a $10 million bond.
CWC said it has received complaints from freight forwarders, clearing agents, and importers across the country. The group’s petition has been backed by industry groups such as the Nigerian Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) and the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), who have protested over unrefunded container deposits and demurrage charges.
Despite being summoned by the House of Representatives for a public hearing, MSC has reportedly failed to appear. Lawmakers have now rescheduled the hearing for July 2, with a warning that a compulsory appearance may be enforced if the company continues to ignore legislative oversight.
Lawmakers are acting under the constitutional powers granted by Section 88 of the 1999 Constitution, which allows the National Assembly to investigate acts of corruption and inefficiency in public or private institutions operating in Nigeria.
The House has promised a thorough inquiry into the matter, which observers say could shape future engagement between Nigeria and foreign corporations in the maritime sector.
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