Licensed customs agents have expressed worry as French Shipping firm, CMA/CGM, has slammed a $100 surcharge on twenty-foot equivalent units of Nigeria-bound container cargoes.
According to a notice posted on the company’s site dated May 5, 2025, sighted by The PUNCH on Monday, CMA/CGM said that effective May 1, 2025, the surcharge, which it said is applicable on short-term contracts, would commence.
The Peak Season Surcharge is a fee associated with the increased costs of transport in a specific period. The peak surcharge usually happens when there is a high transport demand, and every carrier imposes different charges as it suits them.
According to the notice, the surcharge affects cargoes originating from China, Hong Kong, and Macau SAR.
“In a continued effort to provide our customers with reliable and efficient services, CMA/CGM informs its customers of the following updated Peak Season Surcharge. From May 1, 2025, until further notice: Origin range: From China and Hong Kong & Macau SAR, destination range, Nigeria, cargo: dry only, amount $100 per TEU, applicable on short-term contracts,” the notice read in part.
Meanwhile, reacting to the development, the National Publicity Secretary of the Association of Registered Freight Forwarders of Nigeria, Mr Taiwo Fatobilola, noted that although he was not aware of the information, if it turns out to be true, “we will revolt against it.”
“I don’t think that news is real, because there was a promise from shipping companies in the last meeting we had that nobody would increase their charges. So I don’t think it’s real, I don’t think it’s true, it can’t be true.
“Because in the last meeting we had, there was speculation, and it said there was no increase. But if it is true, we will revolt against it. That means they want to kill importation in Nigeria. We are shouting about the high cost of importation, and Nigeria is the highest. We will not fold our hands, we will revolt against it,” Fatobilola said.
Also speaking, a clearing agent who gave his name as Ejiogu Ikenna, criticised the surcharge, saying it’s unnecessary.
“This is unnecessary and ill-timed, and not at this point when Nigeria’s economy is wobbling. The agencies responsible for protecting shippers and clearing agents in the country should rise to the occasion of protecting vulnerable importers.
“The economy is already distressed, and any amount incurred by the importers will be transferred to the final consumers, so sometimes it will be done,” he stated.
