Customs Agents Oppose Proposed Fuel Surcharge by Shipping Company

Licensed customs agents have criticised plans by global shipping company CMA CGM to introduce an emergency fuel surcharge on cargo containers, warning that the move could increase business costs and disrupt trade in Nigeria.

The company recently announced that it would impose an additional charge of between $65 and $165 per container from August 1, citing rising fuel costs caused by renewed tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, a key global shipping route.

Reacting to the proposal, Chairman of the Apapa Chapter of the National Council of Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents, Abayomi Duyile, said importers and freight operators were already struggling with numerous charges and could not absorb further increases.

According to him, any additional cost would worsen the burden on businesses and make an already difficult operating environment even more challenging.

Also commenting, the Head of Planning and Strategy at the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents, Pius Ujubuonu, said the surcharge could drive customers to competing shipping companies that do not impose similar charges.

He noted that the shipping industry is becoming more competitive, giving importers alternative options if CMA CGM proceeds with the increase.

Ujubuonu urged the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, the regulator of port economic activities, to investigate the proposed surcharge and determine whether it complies with existing regulations.

He warned that if other shipping companies follow suit, the additional costs could raise the prices of imported goods and contribute to inflation.

Industry stakeholders fear that higher shipping costs will ultimately be passed on to consumers, further increasing the cost of living and affecting trade activities across the country.

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