“Dialogue over Disruption” remains the firm stance of Akutah Pius Ukeyima, Esq, MON, FCILT, Ph.D, Executive Secretary/CEO of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council. He urged freight forwarders to embrace diplomacy over industrial action, noting that a commitment to the roundtable ensures dispute resolution without stalling Nigeria’s critical economic engine.
Dr. Akutah issued this appeal while addressing the escalating tensions at the Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), where freight forwarders had gathered to protest a recent surge in shipping tariffs. He urged all parties to move beyond the picket line and resolve the pricing dispute through official regulatory channels.
Despite the Council’s efforts to engage, the aggrieved freight forwarders resisted discussions, maintaining that there was currently no basis for dialogue.
The group further vowed to persist with their protests on Monday, insisting they will not back down until the increased charges are immediately reversed.
Shippers’ Council Chief, Dr. Akutah, championed dialogue as the ultimate modern tool for resolution—calling it faster, more humane, and more productive than a “bottled anger approach.” He stressed that constructive talk, not stored-up resentment, yields the best results.
Emphasising that “Disruption is not the answer”: The NSC Chief warned that extended friction in the maritime industry risks stalling port activities and triggering a negative ripple effect across trade and the economy.
Defending the rule of law, the Council noted that while grievances are valid, unprofessionalism is not. It criticized protesters for blocking regulators’ access to MSC premises, an act it described as a direct barrier to the very mediation needed to address their concerns.
Highlighting the Council’s track record, Dr. Akutah also noted that during a previous standoff over these same tariffs, the NSC stepped in and forced MSC to halt charge collections for 48 hours to facilitate negotiations.
He reiterated that the Council remains the primary bridge between shipping companies and agents, dedicated to fostering fair trade practices and maintaining the pulse of Nigeria’s maritime sector.
