By Atoyebi Nike
Nigerian importers are bracing for increased costs this season following the announcement of a $500 peak season surcharge by French shipping giant CMA CGM on cargo destined for Nigeria and other West African ports.
In a notice published on its official website, the company disclosed that the new charges would apply to containers shipped from North-East Asia, South-East Asia, China, and Hong Kong & Macau SAR. The surcharge will come into effect on September 15, 2025, and remain in place until further notice.
The shipping line clarified that the levy applies specifically to twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) of both dry and refrigerated cargoes under short-term contracts. “In a continued effort to provide our customers with reliable and efficient services, CMA CGM informs its customers of the following Peak Season Surcharge starting from September 15, 2025, until further notice. Origin: North-East Asia, South-East Asia, China, Hong Kong & Macau SAR. Destination: West Africa. Cargo: Dry & Reefer. Amounts: $500 per TEU. Applicable on short-term contracts,” the notice read.
The development has already sparked reactions from industry stakeholders. Former interim National President of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), Mr. Pius Ujubuonu, described the surcharge as exploitative, accusing the Nigerian Shippers Council of failing to safeguard the interests of importers.
“That is outright exploitation. Peak Season Surcharge should be beneficial to shipping companies due to increased trade volume during such periods. Instead, they are using it as an opportunity to penalize customers,” Ujubuonu, who now serves as ANLCA’s Head of Planning and Strategy, said. He further criticized the Shippers Council for not taking decisive measures, adding that his association would raise the issue with the regulatory body.
Similarly, Mr. Segun Musa, Deputy President of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), warned that the new charge would add to the already high cost of doing business at Nigerian ports.
“This surcharge will frustrate government efforts to reduce port-related expenses. It may appear small, but when you factor it into overall import costs, the impact becomes significant. Stakeholders need to review and discuss the broader implications,” Musa said.
Industry experts caution that unless regulatory agencies intervene, the additional $500 fee per container could further strain Nigeria’s import-dependent economy, already grappling with high logistics and operational costs.
