A recent protest by the Nigerian Shippers’ Council(NSC) has motivated international shipping company, Maersk to cancel the addition of Peak Season Surcharge (PSS) from September 1st, 2020.

The Danish-based company shared the decision with the NSC, via a letter addressed to the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Hassan Bello, and signed by the Managing Director of Maersk Nigeria, Lara Lana.

The PSS amongst other fees were frowned upon by the NSC, in addition to leading a protest, the council also called on the Nigerian government and other federal bodies to intervene.

NSC stated that those charges were unjust and therefore requested that international shipping companies reverse the surcharges of $150 to $200 per container.

Although some other charges have not been addressed, NSC also requested the removal of the proposed $1025 surcharge on 20-foot and 40-foot containers or embrace negotiation.

Meanwhile, the Head of Public Relations of the Nigerian Shippers Council, Rakiya Zubairu, said that the Union of African Shippers’ Council was in support of the shippers’ council’s demand for an immediate suspension of the PSS. She also emphasized that the charges violated the European Community Shipowners Association agreements.

The movement of consignments in and out of Nigeria was largely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. One of many reasons which highlight the need for fluid movement of goods and commodities at a decent rate. Perhaps, Maersk’s decision will motivate other major shipping companies to follow suit.