Licensed customs agents in Nigeria have raised serious concerns following the introduction of a $100 Peak Season Surcharge by French shipping giant CMA/CGM on all twenty-foot equivalent unit (TEU) containers heading to Nigeria. The surcharge, which took effect from May 1, 2025, is applicable to dry cargoes originating from China, Hong Kong, and Macau, and applies to short-term contracts.
In a notice posted on its official website dated May 5, 2025, CMA/CGM justified the surcharge as part of its strategy to ensure “reliable and efficient services” during periods of high demand. The Peak Season Surcharge (PSS), commonly imposed during times of increased shipping activity, is meant to reflect the added operational costs faced by shipping lines during these peak times.
However, the announcement has sparked outrage within Nigeria’s freight forwarding community, who say the extra cost could worsen the already high cost of importation and cripple business for Nigerian importers.
Reacting to the development, the National Publicity Secretary of the Association of Registered Freight Forwarders of Nigeria (AREFFN), Mr. Taiwo Fatobilola, expressed disbelief and warned that freight agents would resist the move.
“I don’t think that news is real,” he said. “There was a promise from shipping companies in the last meeting we had that no one would increase charges. But if it is true, we will revolt against it. This means they want to kill importation in Nigeria. We are already shouting about the high cost of importation; Nigeria has the highest. We won’t fold our hands. We will resist it.”
Fatobilola emphasized that freight forwarders were already burdened by multiple charges and policies that make shipping to Nigeria among the most expensive globally. He warned that this surcharge could further push many businesses out of the import sector.
A clearing agent, Mr. Ejiogu Ikenna, also condemned the surcharge, describing it as “unnecessary and ill-timed,” especially given Nigeria’s struggling economy.
“The economy is already distressed, and any amount incurred by importers will be transferred to final consumers,” Ikenna said. “This will worsen inflation and make life more difficult for Nigerians. The government agencies responsible for protecting importers and agents must step in now.”
Industry watchers say the surcharge reflects a growing trend by global shipping lines to pass the burden of operational challenges to customers. With Nigeria depending heavily on imports for both consumer goods and industrial inputs, any increase in logistics costs is likely to trickle down to the average Nigerian through higher market prices.
Business analysts argue that the move could also worsen Nigeria’s trade imbalance and hurt efforts to encourage local manufacturing, as imported raw materials become even more expensive.
This latest development adds to the litany of complaints freight agents have had against international shipping lines operating in Nigeria. Over the past year, agents have clashed with shipping firms over issues ranging from demurrage to arbitrary fees, all of which are compounded by Nigeria’s foreign exchange difficulties and port inefficiencies.
As of now, CMA/CGM has not issued a response to the reactions from Nigerian agents, nor has the Nigerian Shippers’ Council made any public statement on the matter.
Stakeholders are calling for urgent dialogue between shipping lines, regulators, and freight agents to address mounting frustrations in the import sector and ensure that any cost changes are transparent, justified, and fair to all parties.
