By Joy Odor
A Civic Group, the Citizens WhistleBlowers Coalition (CWC), has petitioned the House of Representatives to investigate Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), alleging massive financial misconduct, regulatory violations, and subversion of Nigeria’s legal authority.
According to the Spokesperson of the Group, Karl Chinedu while speaking to journalists shortly after the hearing at the National Assembly on Tuesday informed that the MSC has imposed excessive and opaque shipping charges, withheld container deposits, and evaded Nigerian jurisdiction.
The Allegations against MSC include
1. *Illegal Shipping Charges:* MSC allegedly imposes arbitrary and inconsistent fees, violating the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA).
2. *Container Deposit Scandal:* MSC is accused of withholding container deposits, locking up billions in capital and disrupting business operations.
3. *Evasion of Nigerian Jurisdiction:* MSC allegedly secures anti-suit injunctions from UK courts to avoid facing legal actions in Nigeria, undermining the country’s judicial system.
The CWC urged the House to launch a full-scale investigation into MSC’s operations, citing concerns about economic sabotage, tax evasion, and regulatory violations.
The Group also noted that even the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy has called for an end to the outdated container deposit scheme.
The Key Cases are
– Interglobal Technologies Limited alleges MSC extorted over ₦49.8 million and detained critical equipment shipments.
– The Federal High Court ordered the arrest of an MSC vessel, MSC Tasmania, which was released after a $10 million bond was deposited.
The CWC is demanding accountability, economic justice, and respect for Nigeria’s laws and sovereignty.
The House has summoned MSC to appear for a public hearing, with lawmakers threatening compulsory appearance if the company continues to disregard parliamentary oversight.
