Tariff Tensions Ease as Pacific International Lines Apologizes to Freight Forwarders After Terminal Protest
What began as a dramatic shutdown of a major shipping terminal ended in cautious optimism on Thursday after Pacific International Lines (PIL) met with protesting freight forwarders and apologized for failing to communicate a recent tariff increase.
Members of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) had earlier picketed the company’s terminal, accusing it of imposing new charges without prior consultation. The protest temporarily disrupted activities as agents demanded dialogue and transparency over the increment.
Unlike previous industry disputes centered solely on cost increases, NAGAFF leaders stressed that their primary grievance was the absence of stakeholder engagement before the new charges were introduced.
Bert N. Okeke, Chief of Staff of NAGAFF’s 100% Compliance Team, said the association had written to the company seeking clarification but received no response, prompting the protest.
“We are not against legitimate operational adjustments,” Okeke explained. “But when increments are made without consulting those who bear the brunt — the agents and importers — it becomes unacceptable.”
He noted that other shipping lines had engaged freight forwarders in dialogue before implementing similar adjustments, calling meetings to explain the rationale behind the changes.
During a closed-door meeting following the protest, PIL representatives reportedly clarified that the adjustment followed regulatory approval and was necessitated by rising operational costs.
According to NAGAFF officials present at the meeting, the company initially sought a 50 percent increase but was granted 30 percent. PIL also stated that it had not reviewed its charges in the last two years.
Importantly, the company acknowledged lapses in direct communication with freight forwarders and apologized for not engaging the association earlier.
“They admitted they should have informed us and promised better communication going forward,” Okeke said, adding that further clarifications are expected in subsequent meetings.
Another NAGAFF member, Sir Joseph, emphasized that the association’s action was aimed at protecting agents and importers from what they described as mounting financial pressure in the maritime sector.
“Our concern is that charges are becoming too heavy,” Joseph said. “If there is a directive from regulators, stakeholders must still be informed. We represent agents across the seaports, and we must be carried along.”
The incident highlights the fragile balance within Nigeria’s port ecosystem, where shipping lines face rising global operational costs while freight forwarders and importers grapple with domestic economic constraints.
While operations at the terminal have begun to stabilize, industry observers say the episode could set a precedent for stronger stakeholder consultation before future tariff adjustments are implemented.
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